Page 42 - EQA Employee Handbook

• Only PRSI at classes A, E and H count.
If you are self-employed you must have:

• 52 weeks PRSI contributions paid at Class S in the relevant tax year before the year in
which your claim is made; or
• 52 weeks PRSI contributions paid at Class S in the tax year prior to the relevant tax year
before the year in which your claim is made; or
• 52 weeks PRSI contributions paid at Class S in the tax year later than the relevant tax year
(applicable from April 2002)

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 are:
• ACC Bank
• AIB Bank
• Bank of Ireland
• Ulster Bank
• EQA Building Society
• First Active PLC Investment Accounts
• Permanent TSB
• Credit Union

To claim MB you must give a minimum of 6 weeks’ notice by completing Form MB10 (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,
Department of 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.

3.8.15 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:

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