maternity benefit quest

Play Bunny

just looking for help pls, i am currently unemployed since june 2011 after being made redundant prior to that my last redudancy was in 09 and i got employment in aug 2010 then let go in june 2011, i may have an oppertunity of temp work with the comp from last year for about 3-4mths, would i be entitled to maternity benifit if i take up this work? even tho ive been on social welfare since june 2011?...i was tax free up until jan 2011 ...thanks

Lugh Ildanach

If you are still employed at the stage where you are entitled to take Maternity Leave (16 weeks prior to your due date), then you should qualify for Maternity Benefit.

You need to have sufficient PRSI contributions. You need 39 paid or creditted in either the past 12 months, or in 2011, or in 2010.

If you were getting creditted PRSI contributions before your employment in 2010, or after your employment in 2011, you should meet the PRSI requirements.

For more details see here: http://www.citizensinformation.ie/en/social_welfare/social_welfare_payments/social_welfare_payments_to_families_and_children/maternity_benefit.html