Page 46 - ITM Employee Handbook September 2020

If you are now self-employed but you were in insurable employment before you became self-
employed, the PRSI contributions (Class A, E and H) paid by you in that employment may help you
qualify for Maternity Benefit if you do not satisfy the self-employment conditions as stated above

MB is not taxable. MB is payable whether or not you intend to return to work and is not repayable if
you do not return for any reason.

MB is payable for a maximum of 26 weeks and is only payable if you are absent from work. The
standard rate for MB is €240 per week, however, your personal circumstances or those of a spouse or
dependent others may affect this rate.

MB is payable to you by Direct Payment on a weekly basis into an approved current or deposit savings
account. Approved institutions include but are not limited to:

• AIB Bank
• Bank of Ireland
• Ulster Bank
• EBS dac
• First Active PLC Investment Accounts
• Permanent TSB
• Credit Union

To claim MB you must give a minimum of 6 weeks’ notice by completing Form MB1 (which must also
be stamped and completed by your employer and your Doctor not earlier than 16 weeks before your
child is due) and returning it to:

Maternity Benefit Section,
FREEPOST,
Department of Employment Affairs and Social Protection,
McCarter's Road,
Buncrana,
Donegal,
Ireland.

Note: It is advisable to complete and post (by registered post) the MB1 form at least 12 weeks before
your date of confinement to ensure you receive payment in a timely manner.

3.9.15 Contractual benefits
When you are absent on minimum maternity leave (i.e. the 26-week period) or extended maternity
leave (but not additional maternity leave or father's leave), providing you have given the required
notice as detailed above, you will be entitled to the following:
• You will continue to accrue holiday entitlement under the Organisation of Working Time
Act, 1997. Other contractual benefits except the right to remuneration will also be
continued.

• When you are absent on additional maternity leave or fathers leave your employment law
entitlements will cease (except as to reckonable service).

• During minimum maternity leave, extended leave, additional maternity leave and father's
leave, you are required to comply with all of the Company's terms and conditions of
employment and remain subject to the Company's rules, policies and procedures during
their absence.

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