Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 5 March 2020
1149. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection when a person (details supplied) can transfer from jobseeker's allowance to maternity benefit; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [3083/20]
View answerMaternity benefit is payable when a woman on maternity leave from work has the required number of paid PRSI contributions/credits on their social insurance record and has paid a class A contribution within 16 weeks of the end of the week in which their baby is due. The three most recent complete calendar years are considered along with the current year when determining eligibility to maternity benefit. According to the record held in the Department, the person concerned is not currently in employment and does not have sufficient PRSI contributions/credits in these years to qualify for the benefit.
I am advised that there is no record of a Maternity Benefit application having been received from the person concerned. If the personal would like to have her particular case reviewed in more detail, she can submit an application. However, based on the information to hand, I am advised that it is unlikely that she will qualify for the benefit.
It should be noted that she may be entitled to continue to receive jobseekers allowance during her period of confinement and after the birth of her baby. Information in relation to this will be available at her local Intreo centre.
I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
