Maternity Benefit pays you for 26 weeks while you are on maternity leave. Apply on MyWelfare at least 6 weeks before your leave starts, or 12 weeks if you are self-employed.
Maternity Benefit is a weekly payment from the Department of Social Protection (DSP) for 26 weeks of maternity leave. You apply for free on MyWelfare, and it is based on your PRSI (Pay Related Social Insurance) contributions.
Who this is for
It is for employees and self-employed people who are pregnant and have paid enough PRSI at Class A, E, H or S. Employees need one of these:
- 39 weeks of PRSI paid in the 12 months before your leave starts
- 39 weeks paid since you started work, plus 39 weeks paid or credited in the relevant tax year or the year after
- 26 weeks paid in the relevant tax year and 26 weeks in the year before it
- Self-employed: 52 weeks of Class S paid in the relevant tax year, the year before or the year after
What you need
- A verified MyGovID to apply online
- Your PPS (Personal Public Service) number
- Your baby's due date and the date your leave starts
- Form MB2, the employer certificate, if you are an employee
- Form MB3, a medical certificate from your doctor after week 24 of pregnancy, if you are self-employed or not working
- Your bank account details, or your employer's if they pay you during leave
Step by step
- Pick your leave start date. It must be at least 2 weeks, and no more than 16 weeks, before the end of the week your baby is due.
- Tell your employer in writing at least 4 weeks before your leave starts, with a medical certificate confirming the pregnancy.
- Check your employment contract to see if your employer tops up your pay.
- Log in to MyWelfare with your verified MyGovID at least 6 weeks before your leave (12 if self-employed).
- Choose Maternity Benefit and fill in the form.
- Make sure your employer sends form MB2, or your doctor fills in form MB3 if you are self-employed.
- To apply by post, send form MB1 to the Maternity Benefit Section, Department of Social Protection, McCarter's Road, Buncrana, Co. Donegal, F93 CH79.
- Tell your employer at least 4 weeks ahead if you want the extra 16 weeks of unpaid leave.
How much it costs and how long it takes
Applying is free. The DSP says qualifying online claims can be awarded "in a matter of seconds". It pays weekly in advance.
| Part | Length | Pay |
|---|---|---|
| Maternity Benefit | 26 weeks (156 days, Sundays not counted) | €299 a week in 2026, €309 from January 2027 |
| Additional unpaid leave | Up to 16 weeks | None, but you get PRSI credits |
| Employer top-up | Depends on your contract | Not required by law |
If your baby is born early, you get extra paid weeks. Send a hospital letter before your first 26 weeks end. If you have an adult or children depending on you, you may get a higher rate.
Common mistakes
- Applying too late. Self-employed people need to apply 12 weeks before leave, not 6.
- Starting leave too late. It must start at least 2 weeks before the end of the week your baby is due.
- Expecting full pay from your employer. Employers do not have to pay you during maternity leave unless your contract says so.
- Going back to work early without telling the Maternity Benefit Section at least 2 weeks before.
- Forgetting tax. Maternity Benefit counts as taxable income.
If something goes wrong
- Maternity Benefit Section: 074 9164496 or 0818 300600, or email maternityben@welfare.ie.
- If you are refused, appeal to the Social Welfare Appeals Office within 60 days.
- For a dispute about your leave with your employer, you can complain to the Workplace Relations Commission.
- Citizens Information Phone Service: 0818 07 4000, Monday to Friday, 9am to 8pm.
Related guides
- How to register a birth
- How to apply for Child Benefit
- How to apply for Paternity Benefit
- How to apply for Parent's Benefit
- How to get a PPS number
Weekly rate rises from €299 to €309 (Budget 2027)
