Jobseekers payment is reduced gradually depending on earnings. Basically, the first 60 Euro will be disregarded, and then they deduct 60% of the balance off the claim.
For a couple, with no children, the cut off point would be 580 Euro. They use gross minus PRSI, union dues, and pension contrib. Income tax, and bills are not deducted.
For a couple with 1 child, the cut off point would be about 630. Although of course if you are just below the cut-off point you would only be getting a small amount of a payment.
Are your wages going to be maintained during your maternity leave? If they drop, you may be eligible for FIS once your child is born. The family income limit for FIS (which uses net, not gross like Jobseekers) for a family with one child is 506 Euro per week. If you are below this amount, they will pay you 60% of the difference between the limit and your family income. You can apply for FIS while on Maternity Leave/Benefit.
It may also be possible for you to apply for FIS, and for your spouse to apply for Jobseekers if you are below the limits. The means assessment process for Jobseekers is slightly different if a spouse/partner is on FIS or another social welfare payment.
But it sounds like you're quite possibly going to be above all those limits. You should perhaps talk to MABS to talk about how to deal with the financial pressures that are coming. You might be able to get a repayment holiday from your mortgage and may be able to negotiate other debts to reduce your weekly payments. MABS have expert advisers who can help you with this process
www.mabs.ie