Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 7 November 2023
774. Deputy Violet-Anne Wynne asked the Minister for Social Protection what supports are in place for a person who is self-employed and in need of maternity leave; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [48560/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraMaternity Leave is a matter for my colleague the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth has policy and legislative responsibility for Maternity Leave. My Department has responsibility for Maternity Benefit.
Maternity Benefit is a statutory payment made for 26 weeks to employed and self-employed women who satisfy certain PRSI contribution conditions. The fundamental qualification criteria for Maternity Benefit are that a woman must be in insurable employment and entitled to statutory maternity leave or be in insurable self-employment.
In order to qualify for the payment, a self-employed claimant must have 52 qualifying PRSI contributions paid in either the Relevant Tax Year, the Tax Year prior to the Relevant Tax Year, or the Tax Year following to the Relevant Tax Year. If a claimant is now self-employed but was previously in insurable employment, her PRSI contributions in that employment may help her qualify for Maternity Benefit if she does not satisfy the self-employment conditions as outlined.
A person who is self employed can apply for Maternity Benefit either online at www.mywelfare.ie or by paper application.
I trust this clarifies matters for the Deputy.
