1 week short PRSI for maternity leave

Flimsy_Boat

Just found out I am pregnant. I am a full time student but had a job until last week. I rang the maternity benefit section and was told that unless I work for 39 weeks this year, I won't qualify for maternity benefit based on two relevant tax years due to being short 1 week's PRSI contributions in one of the years they use to calculate it (25 out of 26 required weeks in 2019).

I was just laid off last week and now on the PUP which ends on June 30. So unless I have/find a job in July while 6 months pregnant I am not getting maternity benefit. Baby is due in October. Is there any other payment I can qualify for when the baby is born besides the €140 child benefit and rent supplement?

gladerunner

Hi and congratulations.
The citizens advise have some updated information on the website .
Did you have contributions of PRSI last year

https://www.citizensinformation.ie/en/social_welfare/social_welfare_payments/social_welfare_payments_to_families_and_children/maternity_benefit.html

Flimsy_Boat

gladerunner wrote: »

Hi and congratulations.
The citizens advise have some updated information on the website .
Did you have contributions of PRSI last year

https://www.citizensinformation.ie/en/social_welfare/social_welfare_payments/social_welfare_payments_to_families_and_children/maternity_benefit.html

Thank you!

Unfortunately I don't have any 2020 contributions. I was studying full time.

mystic

To qualify for Maternity Benefit a person usually has to be in employment immediately prior to starting Maternity Leave.

Cherry Blossom

Flimsy_Boat wrote: »

Is there any other payment I can qualify for when the baby is born besides the €140 child benefit and rent supplement?

If you are a single parent you can apply for one parent family allowance. If not and your partner is working you may qualify for Working family payment.

Flimsy_Boat

Would I be eligible for Supplementary Welfare Allowance if Maternity benefit is denied?

Seve OB

Flimsy_Boat wrote: »

I was just laid off last week and now on the PUP which ends on June 30. So unless I have/find a job in July while 6 months pregnant I am not getting maternity benefit.

You know that you don’t have to wait till July to look for a job?

Flimsy_Boat

Seve OB wrote: »

You know that you don’t have to wait till July to look for a job?

Yes I know lol. I was just making the post in worst case scenario terms to learn about my entitlements. My job may have work for me again but I was told there was no work for me due to business slowing down.

mystic

If your employer has left your job open on Revenue's system you are still technically employed even though you aren't working at the moment and getting PUP.
Have a look at this link. https://www.citizensinformation.ie/en/social_welfare/social_welfare_payments/social_welfare_payments_to_families_and_children/maternity_benefit.html#l3cf25
Check with your employer if they have closed your employment with Revenue.