Jobseekers/Maternity/Illness Question

A friend of mine is pregnant and having a tough time with the pregnancy. she is currently getting jobseekers benefit which started In Jan when she was let go. Looking at the rules for maternity she would not be entitled to that (she is due in Dec) as she is not in employment while pregnant. Could she claim illness benefit for the period of pregnancy and then go back to jobseekers benefit? I see that illness benefit can be paid for a longer period than jobseekers and I think it does not affect her jobseekers stamps as such. Her jobseekers benefit will run out in Sept and then she would be means tested (partner working) for jobseekers allowance. She is genuinely not able to work because of the pregnancy, has had previous miscarriages as well so needs to be very careful. Advice welcome. This person has always worked and will go back to work as soon as baby is born.

I think the best way to be sure of this is to call the Maternity Benefit Section on 1890 690 690 and query this with them.

I don't believe she can get Maternity Benefit as she is not currently employed.

If she is currently unavailable for work due to illness, then she can apply for illness benefit and sign off jobseekers. Her entitlement will depend on her PRSI contributions.

As you correctly say, she will not be entitled to Maternity Benefit in her current circumstances.