Social welfare: The lesser-known condition that could…

Social welfare: The lesser-known condition that could half your maternity or paternity Benefit payment in Ireland

Each year, thousands of expectant mothers and fathers take advantage of the available benefits, allowing them to take time off work to welcome their little one into the world.

In Ireland, women are entitled to 26 weeks of maternity leave plus 16 weeks of unpaid leave, meanwhile, men are allowed two weeks off paid.

Both Maternity and Paternity Benefits are paid at a standard weekly rate of €262 for 2023, however, this could be halved if you fall into one criterion when applying for it.

No matter whether you are an expectant mother or father, if you are already on certain social welfare payments, then you may get half the Benefit.

This means that if you are receiving other support, you would be entitled to a weekly payment of just €131 instead of the full rate of €262.

However, if you have dependents, you may be able to get a higher rate of Paternity and Maternity Benefits.

When you apply, your rate (excluding increases for dependants) is compared to the rate of Illness Benefit (including increases for dependants) that would be paid to you if you were absent from work through illness.

Therefore, the higher of the two rates is paid to you.

How to Qualify

Maternity Benefit

To qualify for maternity benefits you must have at least 39 weeks PRSI paid in the 12 months before the first day of your maternity leave or:

at least 39 weeks PRSI paid since first starting work and at least 39 weeks PRSI paid or credited in the Relevant Tax Year or in the year following the Relevant Tax Year or
at least 26 weeks PRSI paid in the Relevant Tax Year and at least 26 weeks PRSI paid in the Tax Year prior to the Relevant Tax Year

If you were in insurable self-employment before starting insurable employment as an employee and have Class S PRSI contributions these may help you qualify for Maternity Benefit.

If you are a member of the Defence Forces and you pay PRSI at Class H, you are insured for Maternity Benefit, but it is not payable while you are in service.

Paternity Benefit

To qualify for Paternity Benefit, you must pay social insurance (PRSI) contributions at Class A, E, H and S (self-employed).

If you are a member of the Defence Forces and you pay PRSI at Class H, you are insured for Paternity Benefit, but it is not payable while you are in service.