Maternity Benefit query - unemployed to date but now have short term contract

B

breezyme

Guest
My Jobseeker's benefit ran out in Feb this year. I did not apply for JSA as I knew I would not receive anything but continued to sign for credits. I am due a baby at the end of April and have not applied for maternity benefit as up to now I had not been in employment and my understanding was that I wouldn't be entitled to anything. An opportunity has now arisen for me to do 2 to 3 weeks full-time work from Monday - and I am now wondering if this means I would be entitled to State maternity benefit as I will have a paid contribution within 16 weeks of my due date - and I qualify for having the correct contributions in preceding tax years ?
If the answer is yes, am I too late to apply as I won't be applying until next week and that will be less than 6 weeks before my due date.
 
As I understand it as long as you are in employment directly before (or within 16 weeks) of going on maternity leave you should apply providing the other PRSI requirements are in order
 


You can apply for Maternity Benefit 6 weeks (12 weeks if self-employed) before you intend to start your maternity leave.
In certain cases, you may apply after your baby is born. But if you fail to apply within 6 months of the birth of your baby, you may lose benefit.


You can check the guidelines for Maternity Benefit at welfare.ie.
 
I applied the week before I went on maternity benefit and nothing was said. Once you are in insurable employment the day before you go on maternity leave and you meet the correct contributions, then you should have a fairly good chance of receiving your maternity benefit.
 
Yes you will get it. They are not strict on the 6 weeks.
Give them a ring and get talking to someone, then send your application directly to them.
 
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