Seán Sherlock
Question:583. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Social Protection if matters raised in correspondence (details supplied) relating to maternity benefit will be examined. [12910/21]
View answerWednesday, 10 March 2021
Questions (583)
Written answers
Maternity benefit is a payment made for 26 weeks to employed and self-employed pregnant women who satisfy certain pay-related social insurance (PRSI) contribution conditions. In order to qualify for maternity benefit, a person must be in employment immediately before the first day of her maternity leave. The last day of insurable employment must be within 16 weeks of the end of the week in which her baby is due. If a woman satisfies these conditions and ceases employment within this 16 week timeframe, payment of maternity benefit can commence from the following day. In 2021, it is estimated that my Department will spend approximately €261 million on maternity benefit.
The fundamental qualification criteria for maternity benefit are that a woman must be in insurable employment or self-employment and is entitled to statutory maternity leave. The applicant must also satisfy certain PRSI contribution conditions. These conditions must be satisfied by the applicant in their own right.
Where an individual is not in employment within the 16 week timeframe or has insufficient social insurance contributions to qualify for maternity benefit, they may be eligible for another social welfare payment provided they meet the relevant conditions.
New mothers who do not qualify for maternity benefit may also be eligible for a payment under the supplementary welfare allowance (SWA) scheme. This scheme is considered a "safety net" within the overall social welfare system for eligible people whose means are insufficient to meet their needs and those of their dependents. The main purpose of the scheme is to provide immediate and flexible assistance for those in need who do not qualify for payment under other welfare schemes.
I trust this clarifies the position for the Deputy.