Does JobBridge work count towards PRSI?

jitter

Hi,

I'm currently 30 weeks pregnant, and had been working consistently until December (contract ended.)

I am due my baby at the start of July but I rang Dept. of Social Protection today and found out that despite all the PRSI contributions I had worked up in previous years, I do not qualify for Maternity Benefit unless I do at least one week work between now and due date!

I am panicking now as I am no longer with my partner and will be providing for my baby on my own. Lack of Maternity Benefit would add huge financial pressure.

Realistically the likelihood of gaining employment between now and July is very slim and I was wondering does anyone know if I was to secure a Job bridge position would that count towards my PRSI?

I am not in any way trying to be fraudulent, I just need to know is there any point in looking into Job Bridge or not.

Thanks

Sue Ellen

On Jobbridge you are not employed so there are no PRSI contributions. You can remain on Jobseekers and once the child is born you can have an increase of €29.80. You can be excused for signing 6 weeks before and 6 weeks after your due date. During this period payments can be made into the bank.

jitter

Ok thanks a million Sue Ellen

skippy15

It would be almost worth your while to go to a local company and ask them to hire you for a week, and you'd pay them back half the wages or something
Maybe even a weeks temping in office work or something,

jitter

Very good idea skippy thanks, will try that!