What Day Is Maternity Benefit Paid in Ireland?

Maternity Benefit is paid to employed, recently unemployed and self-employed women on maternity leave.

The payments are made for 26 weeks or 156 days (excluding Sundays) and are legal staff entitlements per Ireland’s Maternity Protection Act.

Keep reading for more details about Maternity Benefit payments.

Further Reading

• Get all your facts straight about the Irish Invalidity Pension amount and how it can benefit those suffering from some long-term ailment.

• Want quicker access to quality healthcare for your loved ones? Opt for Private Health Insurance in Ireland.

What Day Is Maternity Benefit Paid in Ireland?

Maternity Benefit payment starts from the first week it’s claimed, which is usually the first week/ first day of maternity leave.

It’s provided over a week for 26 weeks of maternity leave and is made each week in advance, excluding Sundays.

The specific day of payment may depend on when you claim the Maternity Benefit.

Can every pregnant woman claim the Maternity Benefit payment?

No.

Eligibility for Maternity Benefit requires you to have enough PRSI contributions.

Plus, you must start your maternity leave at least two weeks and not earlier than 16 weeks before the end of the week your baby is due.

Read more about Maternity Benefit to find out who can qualify and how to apply.

Further Reading

• Unable to make it to work due to prolonged sickness or serious injury? Find out which Illness Benefit Form you need to submit and get social welfare payment in Ireland. 

• Explore the different types of Irish Pension Schemes and how they are taxed. 

4 FAQs About Maternity Benefits

1. Where Can I Find the Maternity Benefit Application forms?

Maternity Benefit application forms are available on MyWelfare.ie, where you can easily fill out the online applications.

Learn more about Maternity Benefit Forms and the application process.

2. What Is the Rate for Maternity Benefit?

Maternity Benefit is paid at a standard weekly rate of €274 by the Department of Social Protection directly to your bank accounts.

3. Is Maternity Benefit Paid Weekly or Monthly in Ireland?

Maternity Benefit is a legal staff entitlement paid weekly for 26 weeks and is directly transferred to your bank account each week in advance.

4. Can an Employee Avail of Additional Maternity Leave?

If you have a balance of annual leave, or you’ve missed out on the bank and public holidays, you can use them to extend your maternity leave.

Once you use up those days, you can take an additional maternity leave of 16 weeks after the birth of your baby — starting immediately after your 26 weeks maternity leave.

However, it’ll be an unpaid maternity leave as the Maternity Benefit does not cover this extra period of time off.

5. Can I Claim Maternity Benefit While Receiving a Salary from My Employer?

All employees who are on maternity leave from work are entitled to receive Maternity Benefit payments.

While companies aren’t obligated to pay employees during maternity leave, some employers still do.

If your employer pays you while you’re on maternity leave, you can have your Maternity Benefit payment paid directly into your employer’s bank account. Refer to your employment contract to check if this applies to you.

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Maternity Benefit is a social welfare payment providing much-needed support for expectant mothers.

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