Benefits / Maternity

Darsh123

Hi, I need some advice on a few things regarding welfare and maternity benefits.
I'm trying to figure out the best option but I'm not sure what I'm entitled to. I am in no way trying to cheat the system, I genuinely just want to know is there anything I am entitled to to make the situation any easier.

So my situation is I quit my job of 2 years at the end of May. My plan was to get a TEFL qualification and then move abroad to live with my girlfriend (who is foreign by the way). Having some money saved up I didn't get any Social Welfare because my plan was to leave the country to live and work abroad anyway.
We visit each other regularly and we were planning the big move but it turns out now that she is pregnant, so that's making us rethink the situation.

Obviously I will be able to make more money here than moving and looking for work. But I have a few questions and would really appreciate some help trying to figure out the best option.

If I apply for jobseekers allowance or benefit will proof of looking for work abroad be enough as "jobseeking"?

Will I get backdated as far as 9 weeks after I quit my job?

If we decide that she is better off moving here how does that work with getting a job and getting maternity leave?

I would really appreciate some help from anyone who knows anything about this kind of situation. Thanks in advance.

Darsh123

Any help at all please.Does looking for work abroad count as "jobseeking'?

Moonbeam

Talk to citizens advice .
Here is the maternity benefit info - http://www.citizensinformation.ie/en/social_welfare/social_welfare_payments/social_welfare_payments_to_families_and_children/maternity_benefit.html

Darsh123

Thanks Moonbeam I rang my local Social Welfare office and it seems looking for work abroad does count as "jobseeking".
I thought it would and that it should but it just doesn't say it anywhere on any website.