The initial post clarified neither the exact date when redundancy would commence, nor the exact date when the baby was due so it was impossible to answer this question definitively. Furthermore, it gave no real detail as to whether or not the other criteria to qualify (including the number and variety of PRSI contributions) for maternity benefit would be met.
Supposing this woman was made redundant in the 1st week of January 2006, the baby would have to be born within 14 weeks of then (i.e., the 2nd week in April 2006) in order for her to qualify for maternity benefit. How this will work is, the week the baby is born is called Week 1. You then count backwards from the Monday of that same week for 14 weeks. If she has been made redundant within 14 weeks of that Monday, then she will qualify for Maternity Benefit.
Realistically however, it all depends on when both she is made redundant and when the baby is actually born.
As you can see above, this cuts things it fairly tight. This explains why I erred on the side of caution and suggested it may be more likely this woman will qualify for Unemployment Benefit rather than maternity benefit in this situation. Again, however it all depends on those key dates and whether she meets the other criteria.
I've qualified my initial and this further response with Maternity Benefit Section in Dept. Social & Family Affairs so it is correct.
In any event, it is always wise to contact your local Social Welfare office in connection with any aspect to your right to claim benefits. Maternity Benefit Section are contactable by telephone at LoCall 1890 690 690 or E-mail:
[email protected]
Just remember to have your PPS Number to hand.