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Convid-19 emergency payment - unpaid maternity leave

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  • 19-05-2020 11:08pm
    #1
    Maryanne20
    Registered Users Posts: 2 ✭


    I have just finished up on my 26 weeks paid maternity leave and now have to take unpaid maternity leave. I confirmed with my employer I will take a further 9 weeks off unpaid as I have nobody to mind my baby during this pandemic and am unable to work from home as I wouldn’t be able to get any work done as my son takes up all my time. I have looked up and think I am entitled to apply for the convid-19 unemployment payment. Does anyone know if I am entitled to apply for this as I have no childcare? Or is there anything else I should look into? Any help would be greatly appreciated.


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    #2
    lughildanach
    Registered Users Posts: 150 ✭✭lughildanach


    You cannot get the COVID unemployment payment if it is your decision not to return to work.

    If your employer says they don't have work for you, its a different matter altogether. If this is the case, you would not go on Additional Maternity Leave, but would be temporarily laid off by your employer (or alternatively placed on the Wage Subsidy Scheme).

    You can speak with your employer to see what might suit you both.

    Are you parenting together with a partner or a single parent? If you are not cohabiting, you can claim One Parent Family Payment for any unpaid maternity leave. If parenting together and your partner is on low wages, your partner may be able to claim Working Family Payment.


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    #3
    GerardKeating
    Registered Users Posts: 7,527 ✭✭✭GerardKeating


    lughildanach wrote: »
    (or alternatively placed on the Wage Subsidy Scheme).

    I gather the those returning from maternity leave are not eligible fo the wage subsidy scheme,


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    #4
    lughildanach
    Registered Users Posts: 150 ✭✭lughildanach


    GerardKeating wrote: »
    I gather the those returning from maternity leave are not eligible fo the wage subsidy scheme,

    Has this been confirmed by Revenue? Or is it perhaps because those not being paid by their employer were not being paid at the relevant date.

    Those on Maternity Leave are legally considered to be employed for the duration of their leave, so should be able to access same supports. However, if COVID payment is same or more than TWSS, it may not be an issue.


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    #5
    GerardKeating
    Registered Users Posts: 7,527 ✭✭✭GerardKeating


    lughildanach wrote: »
    Has this been confirmed by Revenue? Or is it perhaps because those not being paid by their employer were not being paid at the relevant date.

    It seems to be those whom were on unpaid maternity leave are not covered, but those on paid maternity leave are cover.

    Also impacted those on parental leave and career breaks when this has recently ended.


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    #6
    lughildanach
    Registered Users Posts: 150 ✭✭lughildanach


    GerardKeating wrote: »
    It seems to be those whom were on unpaid maternity leave are not covered, but those on paid maternity leave are cover.

    Also impacted those on parental leave and career breaks when this has recently ended.

    Seems that currently they are excluded, but given what has been in the news, I wouldn't be surprised if this was overturned. Its clearly less favourable treatment for a number of groups protected under equality/discrimination law.

    The government are suggesting that the equality obligations lie with the employers, although that doesn't get them out of their obligations under the Constitution and International Human Rights law.

    I expect them to resolve this for those coming off maternity leave at least. The other groups may have a harder time getting access.


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