1 week short PRSI for maternity leave

Flimsy_Boat · 02-03-2021 9:00am #1

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 · 02-03-2021 9:47am

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 · 02-03-2021 11:21am

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 · 02-03-2021 4:48pm

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

Cherry Blossom · 02-03-2021 9:32pm

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 · 02-03-2021 9:45pm

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

Seve OB · 02-03-2021 9:47pm

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 · 03-03-2021 1:55am

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 · 03-03-2021 4:48pm

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.

1 week short PRSI for maternity leave

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