The maternity benefit payment awarded to the customer concerned does not include a dependent allowance, as she indicated on her application that she did not wish to apply for any additional allowance in respect of a dependent. If the customer believes that she is entitled to such an allowance she should contact Maternity Benefit section directly using the contact information on the award letter she has received, or through completing the query form available under the maternity benefit guidelines on the Department’s website www.welfare.ie.
I hope this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.