Freelance/self employed & maternity benefits

Hi All,

I am a self employed freelancer, I usually bounce from project to project which last from anything between 2 months and 8 months. I've been doing this with the same company for just under 2 years now. I have also been submitting my own taxes as a self employed person.

My hubby & I are talking of starting a family, so if I do (all fingers crossed) manage to get pregnant, does anyone know what my rights would be, if indeed I have any, with my employer and/or with the State?

Can I claim any benefits if I am unable to work due to pregnancy, or if I cant get work because people are not keen to employ pregnant ladies?
Once I have junior am I able to claim benefits to cover maternity leave?
Or should I try to get a normal 9-5 job, pay my PAYE etc and then leave that with the bulging bump?

Many thanks in advance.

Self employed PRSI does not cover Maternity Benefit so I don't think you'll qualify for that. Even if you get a PAYE job and pay Class A PRSI you may not have the required Class A contributions by the time you go on maternity leave. Check www.welfare.ie for more details. Obviously you will get Child Benefit and Early Childcare Supplement payments as normal.

From the Welfare.ie site - looks like the OP may well be entitled to maternity cover:

"You will qualify for Maternity Benefit:
If you are Self-Employed and you:

• are in insurable Self-Employment
  and
• satisfy certain PRSI contribution conditions."

They have the following contact details for further info.
LoCall 1890 690 690
maternityben@welfare.ie

Let's know how you get on scubelle.
D8L

Sorry. I assumed that Class A PRSI covered MB but not Class S!

This might help understand your situation (from the [broken link removed] site):

"A self-employed claimant must

• be self-employed in accordance with the Social Welfare (Consolidation) Act, 1993, as amended
  and
• have 52 qualifying PRSI contributions paid in the Relevant Tax Year
  or
• have 52 qualifying contributions paid in the Tax Year prior to the Relevant Tax Year
  or
• have 52 qualifying contributions paid in the Tax Year following to the Relevant Tax Year.
  and
• have her expected date of confinement certified by a registered medical practitioner.

Note: PRSI paid at Classes A, E, H and S count as qualifying contributions.
It should be noted that self-employment contributions, i.e. PRSI class S, are not awarded until the total tax liability is paid in full for the Relevant Tax Year."

Other posters have dealt with your Maternity Benefit so as regards claiming Benefits while pregnant, I don't think so. I assume you pay Class S PRSI which does not cover Illness Benefit should you need it. SW do not consider pregnancy an illness.

Maybe you should consider that PAYE job as some employers are not in a rush to employ pregnant women - perhaps for obvious reasons.

On the other hand contract work may suit better later on when you could take the contracts that fit your changed circumstances