Pregnant on JSA maternity benefit?

maxi_twistx

Hi guys im looking for a little advice,
ive been in full time work since ive left school, i was due my first child in May 2014 and the company i was working for went bust the month before i was due, i had to claim jobseekers allowance when my 24 weeks maternity benefit ended.
Im currently still looking for work everywhere and anywhere with no sucess as me and hubby are pregnant again (not planned but we are very happy and we arent due until the end of september) He is in full time employment. If im not successful in finding a job shortly i feel the interview process will become harder with a pregnant belly, its diagraceful but i realise most companies would prefer to hire a non pregnant lady. If i am still unemployed near my due date and on Jobseekers i dont think i will qualify for maternity, is there anything else i can apply for as the money worrys are the only thing overshaowing this otherwise very happy time in our lives. I know its a few months away but i like to plan ahead. Luckily we have everything for baby and only need to get a double buggy which my husbands wages and savings will cover. Its more day to day living when our second little one arrives that we are worrying about.
Thanks for your help in advance guys

wmpdd3

Call the maternity benefit section, I think you are right, you must be in employment.

I know its so unfair, because even if you are just in the door of employment the maternity section will use you prsi contributions from the other years you worked to award you ,maternity benefit.

If, and hopfully you wont, but if you are deemed unable to work by your doctor at any time I'm pretty sure you can claim illness benefit, which may be more than your means tested JSA payment.

eastbono

You can remain on jobseekers allowance you will be exempted from signing for the 4 weeks prior and 8 weeks after the birth and your payment can be changed to the bank for this 12 week period if you wish. After the birth you need to add your baby to your claim and you will receive €29.80 pw extra. Your husband should also look into Family Income Supplement http://www.welfare.ie/en/Pages/275_Family-Income-Supplement.aspx

staticdoor71

eastbono wrote: »

You can remain on jobseekers allowance you will be exempted from signing for the 4 weeks prior and 8 weeks after the birth and your payment can be changed to the bank for this 12 week period if you wish. After the birth you need to add your baby to your claim and you will receive €29.80 pw extra. Your husband should also look into Family Income Supplement http://www.welfare.ie/en/Pages/275_Family-Income-Supplement.aspx

yup this is what I did.
I also had a few interviews while pregnant and nothing came of them.

phester28

I beleive: if you can get any paid employment even 1 or 2 weeks (part time) through a friend after week (24 (open to correction), then you will then qualify for maternity assuming your previous stamps for the relevant year are in order (2013)

Of course the employment must pay PRSI to get a stamp for the weeks