unpaid Maternity leave...

Hi, Im taking an additional 16 weeks unpaid maternity leave - to spend precious time with my daughter. But was wondering if Im entitled to anything from state? My husband has been unemployed since June 2010 & all he's getting is about €200 a week? Could he claim more now that Im no longer getting my €270 a week

my understanding is that you're not entitled to anything as you take the unpaid leave voluntarily.

If he can get a placement to work 19 hours a week, he could be able to apply for FIS. See the rules here:

http://www.citizensinformation.ie/e...es_and_children/family_income_supplement.html

You can both also apply for a tax refund for this year as you were both working and may have overpaid.

Hope that helps.