Was self employed - Maternity Pay Q.

R

Ratcliffe

Guest
Hi there,

I hope someone can help with my query.
I was self employed paying class S contributions from 2000 - 2008, and received state maternity pay no problem in 2008.

The Business took a nosedive and I closed it down late 2008, and have been a stay at home Mum since.

My question is regarding maternity allowance for 2010. I have paid the qualifying PRSI Class S payments for the year 2006 and 2007, however I believe this makes no difference asyou need to be in self employment right up to going on maternity leave, so I wouln't qualify as I am not in self employment anymore even though PRSI was paid in the qualifying years?

If this is the case, could I take up some kind of self employment, even for a short time, in the month/days leading up to maternity so I can claim this????:confused:

Any advice on how to go about this would be much appreciated!

Thanks

R

ps - Not receiving any JB or JA payments, as JA is means tested and Husband would earn over the threshold.
 
The rule that you refer to is that you must be in employment within 16 weeks of the end of the week your baby is born. So if this is the case, then you should qualify.
 
Thanks Welfarite,

I know I have to be in employment directly before taking maternity, and as the business closed last year, In theory if I was to set up a new business in the weeks before maternity, would this, along with my PRSI eligibility count?
 
Just an update.

I spoke to the maternity benefit section, and they confirmed that even if I was to work a half day within the 16 weeks before the baby is due, I would be entitled, (even on 1 contribution) to claim maternity benefit.

I believe once you have earned over €51.00 or over, you will make a class A contribution..
 
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