Entitlements - Giving up Work - Various Reasons

Hi,

Just wondering if anyone can advise. I haven't a clue about social welfare entitlements and am possibly not entitled to anything but my story is as follows:

I'm coming to the end of maternity leave and would be due to be back at work from 1st July. Since March however, I developed a chronic illness (IBD) which basically has meant that I've been unwell for the past few months (spent some time in hospital and now on longterm drugs to hopefully control the disease). I was due to go back to work on a part-time basis but due to the illness and the fact that stress apparently is a big factor with the problem, I've decided to hand in my notice and stay at home full-time with my two small children for the foreseeable future which is what I really want to do anyway. Also, as it came closer to the time for me to return to work my employer indicated that he would rather I came back on a fulltime basis and part-time really would not work for him long-term (hence, the stress factor!).

Anyway, I'm wondering based on the above information is there anything I would be entitled to on a social welfare basis does anybody know???

With regards tax, I presume I will be entitled to get some tax back for the time I was on unpaid maternity leave, not sure of this either though. Also, how will my husband's tax situation be affected with me giving up work?

Thank you to anyone who can help, I'd really appreciate all advice.

Wafer.

If you are certified unfit for work due to illness/disability by your GP or a consultant/specialist then you may be entitled to claim on of the illness/disability payments detailed on www.welfare.ie. Since it looks like you will not be available for and seeking work then Jobseeker's Benefit/Allowance are presumably not relevant. On the tax front if you stop working mid year then make a P50 claim (form on www.revenue.ie) in case you are due something back. And/or request a P21 balancing statement at the end of the year.