Maternity Benefit - How it works

PuddingHead

I know there's a lash of these threads about, I did have a read through but can't find what I'm looking for and citizens information didn't help either to be honest.

I know that PRSI paid in 2011 is the year taken into consideration when maternity benefit is being calculated, I was in college in 2011, and only worked for 9 weeks of the year, into 2012 then my seasonal employment came to an end, I was then unemployed until the 23rd of July and I've been working in the company since, (different employers, agency to company deal).

When I emailed revenue I got citizens info copied and pasted and no other info so what I want to know is, am I entitled to ANY maternity benefit, I'm not too concerned with the amount but I'm really freaked that I may not get anything which obviously is a bit terrifying on top of becoming a parent.

My partner is only on a 20 hour contract on a basic wage at the mo so I'm the main earner and I'm beginning to freak out.

(Obviously going to ring revenue, but my hours are the same as there hours until next week!!!)

Any help, feedback or if anyone's been in a similar situation, I'd love to know what happens!

K.

wmpdd3

When are you actually going on mat leave? 2013 or 2014?

If its 2014, they will look at 2012 for contributions.

There are a few different ways they can calculate the payment.

With mine they went back 3 years on my second child.


You earn a type of PRSI contribution while in full time education, so dont worry too much.

You can apply for mat benefit as soon as the doctor signs you aplication, so apply early if your not sure about a payment.

Also if you call the maternity section they are great help, but you may have to apply first.

Its best to have your PRSI record so you can see if you have 39 contributions.


You can get a statement of your PRSI contributions here:

https://www.welfare.ie/en/Pages/secure/RequestSIContributionRecord.aspx

LegacyUser

wmpdd3 wrote: »

You earn a type of PRSI contribution while in full time education, so dont worry too much.

eh? What?

If you are talking about Student Credits .... they are not just given to everybody. There are strict criteria for Student Credits.

http://www.welfare.ie/en/Pages/Can-I-qualify-for-student-credits.aspx

PuddingHead

Just got an email back from revenue, been told I should qualify under part (a) (below) and would get the lower rate... Not as much as I'd like, but I suppose, is it ever... Woo I should be able to feed my child and pay my rent! :P

You must satisfy one of the following PRSI contribution conditions:


(a) 39 weeks PRSI paid in the 12 month period before the first day of maternity leave

OR

(b) 39 weeks PRSI paid since first starting work,

AND

39 weeks PRSI paid or credited in the Relevant Tax Year

or the tax year subsequent to the Relevant Tax Year

OR

(c) 26 weeks PRSI paid in the Relevant Tax Year and

26 weeks PRSI paid in the tax year prior to the Relevant Tax Year.

Little My

Glad you got some info back but if you need anything else ring the Maternity benefit section in Buncrana. They'll check your PPS and basically give you a yes/no answer on the phone - they are one of the few public services I have so far found to actually be helpful and efficient. They probably won't be able to tell you how much you'll get each week though.

wmpdd3

Agree, the maternity section are brilliant to deal with.

wmpdd3

StateBenefits wrote: »

eh? What?

If you are talking about Student Credits .... they are not just given to everybody. There are strict criteria for Student Credits.

http://www.welfare.ie/en/Pages/Can-I-qualify-for-student-credits.aspx[/quoted]

I'm sorry this seems to have changed since I earned student credits. I worked all through school and college so that may have been a factor.