Casual Work and Maternity Benefit

Hi,
I was wondering if someone could help with advice please?
I am currently on job seekers allowance for the last 6 months having previoulsy worked full time all my life. I have been lucky to get 1 day a week casual work for the next month (possibly longer). I am pregnant and due my baby in February.

My question is can I apply for state maternity benefit based on this casual work and the fact I have all my stamps etc from my previous job?

If this casual work ends next month will my maternity benefit start straight away or can I continue to claim the dole until February and then claim maternity benefit?

Thanks in advance for any help

In order to apply for Maternity Benefit, you must be in employment on the day before the first day of your maternity leave (which cannot be more than 16 weeks before the baby is due).

If you finish work in a month's time as you've suggested, then your maternity leave must start from the day after you finish work. You won't qualify if you go back on Jobseeker's and then apply for Maternity Benefit.

You must also meet PRSI conditions - there are several options and I think you will probably meet this one:

at least 39 paid PRSI contributions since first starting work and at least 39 paid or credited PRSI contributions in the relevant tax year, or in the year following the relevant tax year

(the relevant tax year for 2012 is 2010 - in January that will change to 2011).

You must apply for Maternity Benefit 6 weeks before you intend to go on leave.

If you do not qualify for Maternity Benefit, and you are on Jobseeker's, you will continue to be paid Jobseekers.

You can get more information here:

http://www.welfare.ie/EN/Publications/SW11/Pages/1WhatisMaternityBenefit.aspx

What happens if you can't apply 6 weeks before you go on leave? for example if the OP weren't to start work until December and then have a few weeks casual work for the Xmas period.

Should you not still be on Job Seeker's Benefit rather than allowance if you worked continuously until 6 months ago?

Thanks for the info - much appreciated.

derek - apologies yes I'm on JB