Leaving Ireland effect on Jobseekers benefit & Maternity benefit

kizzyf

I'm currently receiving JSB (i.e. non means tested). Thinking of doing the government a favour by going abroad for a while. Does anyone have any experience of this. When I return will I be able to sign on again?

If I return and commence working again (with a bit of luck, I will), can I claim maternity benefit if I have a child or will I have to build up my contributions from scratch again?

Xiney

Maternity Benefit is a payment made to women on who are maternity leave from work and covered by social insurance (PRSI).

http://www.citizensinformation.ie/categories/social-welfare/social-welfare-payments/social-welfare-payments-to-families-and-children/maternity_benefit

So, as long as you don't leave for too long and let your PRSI coverage lapse you would be entitled to it.

kizzyf

thanks for that. It's just so hard to find out info. on this. It looks like I can combine social insurance from abroad so that looks promising. My only concern is that as I'm on the dole now I'm not making prsi contributions so not sure how that will work.