Maternity benefit, means test?

[john m]

My wife will be claiming maternity benefit in a few months time and the forms ask a lot of questions regarding both our income etc. Is the benefit means tested based on both our incomes? Or is it 80% of her last years salary subject to a minimum payment of €207.80 and a maximum payment of €280.00 a week irrelevant of my salary (once neither of us are claiming any social welfare)?

 

[Black Sheep]

Maternity Benefit is not means tested.
The rate payable is 80% of her earnings in the relevant tax year subject to a reckonable earnings ceiling. ie Minimum rate €221.80 & Maximum rate €280.00.

The relevant tax year is 2006, as the claim is being made in 2008

Your income will not affect the amount she is paid

 

[Nige]

Entitlement to maternity benefit is entirely based on your wife's pris contribution and employment history. However, if you are earning a very low amount, the maximum payment (of €280) may be increased and so the form includes questions about partner's earnings and other dependent children.