http___www.welfare.ie_ga_Pages_mb.aspx_3.xml
1.1 2.1 3.1 4.1 5.1 6.1 7.1 8.1 9.1 10.1 11.1 12.1 13.1 14.1 15.1 16.1 17.1 18.1 19.1 20.1 21.1 22.1 23.1 24.1 25.1 26.1 27.1 28.1 29.1 30.1 31.1 32.1 33.1 34.1 35.1 36.1 37.1 38.1 39.1 40.1 41.1 42.1 43.1 44.1 45.1 46.1 47.1 48.1 49.1 50.1 51.1 52.1 53.1 54.1 55.1 56.1 57.1 58.1 59.1 60.1 60.2 60.3 61.1 62.1 63.1 64.1 65.1 66.1 67.1 68.1 69.1 70.1 71.1 72.1 72.2 73.1 74.1 74.2 75.1 76.1 76.2 77.1 78.1 79.1 80.1 81.1 82.1 83.1 84.1 85.1 86.1 87.1 88.1 89.1 90.1 90.2 91.1 92.1 93.1 94.1 95.1 96.1 96.2 97.1 98.1 99.1 100.1 101.1 102.1 103.1 104.1 105.1 105.2 106.1 107.1 107.2 107.3 108.1 109.1 110.1 111.1 112.1 113.1 114.1 115.1 116.1 117.1 118.1 119.1 119.2 120.1 121.1 122.1 123.1 124.1 125.1 126.1 127.1 128.1 129.1 130.1 131.1 132.1 133.1 134.1 135.1 136.1 137.1 138.1 139.1 139.2 139.3 140.1 141.1 142.1 142.2 143.1 143.2 144.1 144.2 145.1 146.1 147.1 147.2 147.3 148.1 149.1 150.1 151.1 151.2 151.3 151.4 152.1 153.1 154.1 154.2 154.3 155.1 156.1 157.1 158.1 158.2 159.1 160.1 161.1 161.2 162.1 163.1 164.1 164.2 165.1 165.2 166.1 167.1 168.1 168.2 169.1 170.1 171.1 172.1 173.1 174.1 175.1 176.1 176.2 176.3 177.1 177.2 177.3 177.4 177.5 178.1 178.2 179.1 180.1 180.2 180.3 181.1 182.1 183.1 184.1 185.1 186.1 187.1 188.1 189.1 190.1 191.1 192.1 193.1 194.1 195.1 196.1 197.1 198.1 199.1 199.2 200.1 201.1 202.1 202.2 203.1 203.2 204.1 205.1 206.1 207.1 208.1 209.1 210.1 211.1 212.1 213.1 214.1 215.1 218.1 219.1 220.1 221.1 222.1 223.1 224.1
INTERNAL GUIDELINES USED IN PROCESSING CLAIMS INDEX PART 1: ENTITLEMENT - Description of Scheme - Information Leaflet - Legislation - Administration - Qualifying Conditions in Summary - Qualifying Conditions in Detail - Father's entitlement to leave - Relevant Income Tax Year - Self-employed - Maternity Benefit and EU Regulations - Premature Births - Stillbirths - Volunteer Development Workers - Disqualifications - Absence from the state - Imprisonment - Rates Structure - Employees - Self-employed - Illness Benefit rate - Overlapping Provisions - Carer's Allowance - Postponement of Maternity Leave and Maternity Benefit PART 2: CLAIMS, INVESTIGATION AND DECISION PROCEDURES - Claims - Documentation - Late Claims - Investigation of Claim - Deciding a Claim - Appeals PART 3: PROCEDURES FOLLOWING AWARD - Payments - Taxation - Duration of Payment - Maintenance - Certification of Ongoing Entitlement - Reviews - Suspension of Payment - Credits - Parental Leave PART 1: ENTITLEMENT Description of Scheme Maternity Benefit is a payment made for 26 weeks to employed and self-employed women who satisfy certain PRSI contribution conditions on their own insurance record. The original scheme was introduced in 1970 and was extended to include the self-employed from 9th June 1997. Information Leaflet: 'Maternity Benefit' SW 11 Legislation The main provisions relating to Maternity Benefit are in the Maternity Protection Acts, 1994 and 2004, Chapter 9 of Part II of Social Welfare (Consolidation) Act, 2005, and Chapter 2 of Part II of Social Welfare (Consolidated Claims, Payments and Control) Regulations, 2007 (as amended). Administration Maternity Benefit Section in the Department of Social Protection, McCarter's Road, Buncrana, Co. Donegal deals with the payment of Maternity Benefit. Qualifying Conditions in Summary An employee must be in employment which is covered by the Maternity Protection Act, 1994 immediately before the first day of her maternity leave and satisfy certain PRSI contribution conditions. A self-employed person must be, or have been, self-employed and satisfy certain PRSI contribution conditions. Qualifying Conditions in Detail Employees To qualify for Maternity Benefit, a claimant must - - be in employment which is covered by the Maternity Protection Act, 1994, immediately before the first day of her maternity leave. The last day of insurable employment must be within 16 weeks of the end of the week in which her baby is due. (If she ceases employment, her Maternity Leave must commence from the following day) and - be certified by her employer as entitled to maternity leave under the Maternity Protection Act, 1994 and - have her expected date of confinement certified by a registered medical practitioner and - have at least 39 weeks PRSI paid in the 12 months before the first day of her maternity leave or - at least 39 weeks PRSI paid since first starting work and at least 39 weeks PRSI paid or credited in the Relevant Tax Year or in the year following the Relevant Tax Year or - at least 26 weeks PRSI paid in the Relevant Tax Year and at least 26 weeks PRSI paid in the Tax Year prior to the Relevant Tax Year Note: PRSI contributions paid at Classes A, E and H count. Maternity Benefit is not payable to serving members of the Defence Forces who pay PRSI at Class H. If a claimant does not satisfy the employee conditions outlined above, and was in insurable self-employment before starting insurable employment as an employee, her Class S PRSI contributions may help her qualify for Maternity Benefit. Entitlement to leave Under the Maternity Protection Act, 1994, the woman must give her employer at least 4 weeks written notice of her intention to take maternity leave. She must also advise her employer 4 weeks in advance of returning to work and confirm this notification (again in writing) 2 weeks before she expects to return. Father's entitlement to leave In the event of the death of the mother within 40 weeks of the birth of a living child, the father has certain leave entitlements. Where it is certified by his employer that a man is entitled to leave under the Maternity Protection Act, then he shall be entitled to benefit similar to if he was a woman who was entitled to maternity leave. Relevant Income Tax Year The relevant income tax year is the second last complete income tax year before the year in which the maternity leave starts. For Example: Claims that start in 2014, the relevant tax year is 2012. Self-employed A self-employed claimant must - be self-employed in accordance with the Social Welfare (Consolidation) Act, 1993, as amended and - have 52 qualifying PRSI contributions paid in the Relevant Tax Year or - have 52 qualifying contributions paid in the Tax Year prior to the Relevant Tax Year or - have 52 qualifying contributions paid in the Tax Year following to the Relevant Tax Year. and - have her expected date of confinement certified by a registered medical practitioner. Note: PRSI paid at Classes A, E, H and S count as qualifying contributions. If a claimant is now self-employed but was in insurable employment before she became self-employed, her PRSI contributions (Class A, E and H) in that employment may help her qualify for Maternity Benefit if she does not satisfy the self-employment conditions as stated above. It should be noted that self-employment contributions, i.e. PRSI class S, are not awarded until the total tax liability is paid in full for the Relevant Tax Year. Maternity Benefit and EU Regulations If a claimant was previously insurably employed in a country covered by EU Regulations and she has paid at least one full rate PRSI contribution since her return to Ireland, her insurance record (contributions and credits) in that country may be combined with her Irish PRSI contributions to help her qualify for benefit. Premature Births If the baby is born prematurely (i.e. before the maternity leave is due to commence), a letter should be forwarded to Maternity Benefit Section from the doctor confirming the baby was born prematurely and on what date. Stillbirths In the event of a still birth occurring after the 24th week of pregnancy, the mother is still entitled to 26 weeks Maternity Benefit provided she satisfies the PRSI conditions. A letter from the doctor should be forwarded with the Maternity Benefit application form confirming the expected date of confinement, the actual date of birth and number of weeks gestation. Volunteer Development Workers A volunteer development worker is entitled to Maternity Benefit provided that she has qualifying contributions paid in respect of not less than 39 contribution weeks in the period beginning with her entry into insurance and ending immediately before the first day of maternity leave. A person who ceases to be a volunteer development worker shall be entitled to maternity benefit in respect of any claim made in the benefit year in which she returns to the State from a developing country or in the next succeeding benefit year provided that she has qualifying contributions paid in respect of not less than 39 contribution weeks in the period beginning with her entry into insurance and ending immediately before the first day of maternity leave. [Volunteer Development Workers are not required to satisfy paragraphs (b) and (c) of Section 37(1)] Disqualifications - A claimant will be disqualified from receiving Maternity Benefit if during the period for which benefit is payable, she engages in any form of insurable employment or insurable self employment. - A claimant will be disqualified from receiving Maternity Benefit if she fails, without good cause, to attend for or to submit herself to any medical examination that may be required. - Failure to apply for Maternity Benefit within six months of the birth of the child may result in loss of benefit. - An EU citizen will be disqualified from receiving Maternity Benefit for any period of her Maternity Leave that she spends outside the EU. A non-EU citizen will be disqualified from receiving Maternity Benefit for any period of her Maternity Leave that she spends outside the Republic of Ireland. Absence from the State If the claimant is an EU citizen, she is entitled to Maternity Benefit for any period of her maternity leave spent in an EU country. If the claimant is not an EU citizen, she is only entitled to Maternity Benefit for any period spent in the Republic of Ireland. A claimant will not be paid Maternity Benefit for any period spent outside the EU, except in the following circumstances: - Where a claimant receiving Maternity Benefit goes abroad to receive approved medical treatment for their incapacity; (The treatment must relate to an illness incurred before going abroad) - Persons who are employed abroad (posted workers) and continue to be insured under the Social Welfare Acts may be paid Maternity Benefit - Maternity Benefit may be paid to a claimant in other EU member states in accordance with Council Regulation (EC) NO 883/04, Articles 19 - 21. Imprisonment Maternity Benefit is NOT payable if the claimant is in prison. Rates Structure Employees In the case of a claim for Maternity Benefit in respect of a period of maternity leave which commences on or after 6th January 2014, the standard rate payable is €230.00 per week. Self-employed In the case of a claim for Maternity Benefit in respect of a period of maternity leave which commences on or after 6th January 2014, the standard rate payable is €230.00 per week. Illness Benefit Rate The rate of Maternity Benefit is compared to the rate of Illness Benefit that would be paid to the woman if she was absent from work through illness. The higher of the two rates is paid (See Rates Booklet SW19 for Illness Benefit rates). Overlapping Provisions Half-rate/reduced rate Maternity Benefit is payable if the claimant is in receipt of one of the following payments: - One-Parent Family Payment - Widow's, Widower's or Surviving Civil Partner Contributory Pension - Widow's, Widower's or Surviving Civil Partner Non-Contributory Pension - Deserted Wife's Benefit - Prisoner's Wife Allowance - Deserted Wife's Allowance - Death Benefit by way of Widow's/Widower's, Surviving Civil Partner's or Dependent Parent(s) Pension (under the Occupational Injuries Scheme) In the case of a person who is entitled to Blind Pension and Maternity Benefit the full amount of both payments may be paid concurrently unless the Blind Pensioner is in receipt of one of the following payments, in which case Maternity Benefit is NOT payable. - Deserted Wife's Benefit - Deserted Wife's Allowance - Prisoner's Wife Allowance - One Parent Family Payment - Widow's, Widower's or Surviving Civil Partner Contributory Pension - Widow's, Widower's or Surviving Civil Partner Non-Contributory Pension - Death Benefit by way of Widow's/Widower's/Surviving Civil Partner's or parent's pension Maternity Benefit cannot be paid for the same period as any other Social Welfare payment except Disablement Benefit, Family Income Supplement and Child Benefit. Carer's Allowance From 27 September 2007 a person who is claiming Maternity Benefit and who is providing full time care to another person living at the same address may now apply for Carer's Allowance and retain their current payment in full. If they satisfy the conditions for Carer's Allowance it will be awarded at 50% of the personal rate they would qualify for if they were not in receipt of any other payment. They will also be eligible for Household Benefits and a Free Travel Pass. See Carer's Allowance guidelines for more information. Increases for Qualified Adult/Qualified Child Section 43 of the Social Welfare Consolidation Act 2005, & Statutory Instrument (S.I.) No 142 of 2007 refers. Increases of Maternity Benefit are payable in respect of a qualified adult and in respect of a qualified child. (See separate guidelines on Dependants - Increase for a Qualified Adult (IQA) or Increase for a Qualified Child (IQC). If a claimant has dependants, her rate of Maternity Benefit (excluding increases for dependants) is compared to the rate of Illness Benefit (including increases for dependants) that would be paid to her if she were absent from work through illness. The higher of the two rates is paid. If the adult dependent is getting a social welfare payment an Increase for a Qualified Adult (IQA) cannot be paid to the claimant but a half-rate Increase for a Qualified Child (IQC) may be payable. The claimant will qualify for a full-rate IQA and a full-rate IQC, if the adult dependent is unemployed and signing on for credits or is earning under €100.01 per week. If the adult dependent is earning between €100.01 and €310 per week the claimant will get a tapered rate of IQA and a full-rate IQC. If the adult dependent is earning between €310.01 and €400 per week the claimant will not get an IQA but will get half rate IQC. If the adult dependent earns over €400 per week the claimant will not get an IQA or IQC. Postponement of Maternity Leave and Maternity Benefit Regulations provide for the postponement of part of the Maternity Leave/ Additional Maternity Leave and Maternity Benefit in the event of the hospitalisation of child. Where Maternity Benefit has been in payment for a minimum of 14 weeks (with at least 4 weeks of this taken after the baby is born), payment may be postponed for the last 12 weeks in the event of the hospitalisation of the child. A written application must be made to postpone payment of Maternity Benefit. The maximum duration of the postponement will be 6 months. Payment will resume following written notification of the discharge of the child from hospital and the employer certifies that they are entitled to resume postponed Maternity Leave. Payment will continue until completion of the period of entitlement to benefit. PART 2: CLAIMS, INVESTIGATION AND DECISION PROCEDURES Claims Under the legislation the onus is on the claimant to apply at the correct time if she feels she is entitled to benefit. The Maternity Benefit claim form MB 10 should be completed in full and signed by the claimant in all cases. Failure to answer all questions could cause delay in processing the claim. A registered Medical Practitioner should sign and stamp the form in relation to certification of confinement. Employees should get their employer to sign and stamp the form in relation to certification of their Maternity Leave. Claims should be submitted 6 weeks (12 weeks if self-employed) before the claimant intends to commence maternity leave. The claimant should forward relevant documentation as indicated below. However this may be sent on after the initial claim is made. Documentation The claimant of Maternity Benefit is responsible for the production of certificates, documents, information and evidence required, including Certificate of confinement, P35, P45, P60, current payslip, verified ( see note below) copy of marriage/civil partnership certificate and/or work permit/GNIB card etc. (if required). Note: to have verified, claimants should bring original documents to any office of the Department of Social Protection. Only verified copies are acceptable. Maternity Benefit cannot be awarded until all the necessary documentation has been provided. Late claims A late claim may be accepted at the discretion of the Deciding Officer where s/he considers there was good cause throughout the period of the delay, but payment cannot be made in respect of a period more than six months prior to the date of claim. See under Disqualifications above. Further back-dating may however be possible in certain circumstances on an extra statutory basis. See section 4.2 of the separate guidelines on ' Claims and Late Claims' . Deciding a Claim Particulars of PRSI contributions paid by and/or credited to the claimant are obtained from the Department's Central Records Section. Claims are decided by a Deciding Officer appointed by the Minister under Section 299 of the Social Welfare (Consolidation) Act, 2005. A notification of the decision is issued to the claimant, and when claims are awarded at reduced rates or disallowed the claimant is given an explanation for the partial award or disallowance. Appeals A person who is dissatisfied with the decision of the Deciding Officer may appeal that decision in writing within 21 days of the date of the decision, to the Chief Appeals Officer. PART 3: PROCEDURES FOLLOWING AWARD Payment Maternity Benefit is payable by DIRECT PAYMENT on a weekly basis into a Bank or Building Society Account (a current or deposit savings account, not a mortgage account) or the claimant may choose to have it paid directly into her employer's bank account. If the claimant does not have a Bank or Building Society Account payment will be made by cheque to her home address. Taxation Maternity Benefit (including any increases for adult and child dependents) is reckonable for income tax purposes from 1st July 2013. This Department pays Maternity Benefit directly to recipients without any deduction for tax. To assist in the taxation of Maternity Benefit, this Department notifies the Office of the Revenue Commissioners of the taxable amount of Maternity Benefit to be taken into account for income tax purposes. Maternity Benefit in respect of any period up to and including 30th June 2013 is not taxable. A claimant who chose to have her Benefit paid to her employer, who then continued to pay her normal weekly wage while receiving Benefit, may be entitled to a tax refund if the Benefit was payable in respect of any period prior to 1st July 2013. She should write to Maternity Benefit Section or complete the online form, click here, to request an MB21 Statement in respect of a tax refund (which she should then forward to her local Tax Office). Any enquires in relation to tax affairs should be directed to the local Tax Office. The phone number and address of the local Tax Office are supplied on the ‘Notice of Determination of Tax Credits and Standard Rate cut-off point' form. If a claimant chooses to have her Benefit paid to her employer, who then continues to pay her normal weekly wage while she is receiving Benefit, she may be entitled to a PRSI refund. She should complete the Refund of PRSI Contributions Application form PRSIREF 1, which can be accessed online at 'www.welfare.ie'. Duration of Payment Maternity Benefit is normally payable for a continuous period of 26 weeks. At least 2 and not more than 16 of these weeks must be taken before the end of the week in which the baby is due, otherwise the client may lose some benefit. If the client wishes to take the minimum two-week period of maternity leave prior to the birth of her baby, she should commence her maternity leave on the Monday prior to the week in which her baby is due. If the baby is born before the date on which the woman is due to commence Maternity Leave, her Maternity Benefit will become payable for 26 weeks from the date the baby is born. Maintenance When a claim is awarded, a start date and end date are inserted on the Department's payment system. When a claimant returns to work early, the end date is updated on the payment system. Where applicable, change of address is updated. Certification of ongoing entitlement The onus is on the claimant to notify the Department of any changes in the details given on the claim form e.g. returning to work before the end of her claim or change of address. Review A review is initiated when the claimant informs the Department of a change of circumstances. Suspension of Payment Payment may be suspended if new evidence is received indicating that the claimant does not fulfil the conditions or is disqualified. Credits Credits are awarded automatically to recipients of Maternity Benefit for each week of benefit paid. An employment contribution may be credited to an insured person for each week during which they avail of unpaid maternity leave under the terms of the Maternity Protection Act, 1994. Therefore if a person avails of the following - unpaid Maternity Leave and has not received Maternity Benefit from this Department (maximum of 26 weeks) and/or - additional unpaid Maternity Leave immediately after paid Maternity Benefit (maximum of 16) they must get their employer to complete an application form for Maternity Leave Credits at the back of the SW 11, after they have returned to work. Completed forms should be sent to Maternity Benefit Section, Department of Social Protection, McCarter's Road, Buncrana, Co. Donegal. Telephone LoCall 1890 690 690. Parental Leave The Parental Leave Act, 1998, which came into operation on 3rd December 1998, makes provision for unpaid leave for fathers and mothers to look after young children. Parental Leave may be taken either as a continuous block of 18 weeks or, with the agreement of the employer, broken up over a period of time. Parents who take Parental Leave may be entitled to receive a PRSI Credit in respect of each week taken. This will ensure that their existing cover for Social Welfare benefits are fully maintained. For further information contact: Maternity Benefit Section Department of Social Protection McCarter's Road Buncrana Co. Donegal IRELAND For information about parental leave, as well as employment rights and responsibilities contact: Workplace Relations Customer Service Department of Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation O’Brien Road Carlow For further information on PRSI credits for Parental Leave, contact: Records Section Department of Social Protection McCarter's Road Buncrana Co. Donegal LoCall: 1890 690 690 (from the Republic of Ireland only) + 353 1 47 15898 (from Nothern Ireland or overseas)
1.1 2.1 3.1 4.1 5.1 5.2 6.1 7.1 8.1 9.1 10.1 11.1 12.1 13.1 14.1 15.1 16.1 17.1 18.1 18.2 19.1 20.1 21.1 22.1 23.1 24.1 25.1 25.2 26.1 27.1 28.1 29.1 30.1 31.1 32.1 33.1 34.1 35.1 36.1 36.2 37.1 38.1 39.1 40.1 40.2 41.1 42.1 43.1 44.1 45.1 45.2 46.1 47.1 48.1 49.1 49.2 50.1 51.1 52.1 53.1 54.1 55.1 56.1 57.1 58.1 59.1 60.1 61.1 62.1 63.1 63.2 64.1 65.1 66.1 67.1 68.1 69.1 70.1 71.1 72.1 73.1 74.1 75.1 76.1 77.1 78.1 79.1 80.1 81.1 82.1 83.1 84.1 85.1 85.2 86.1 87.1 87.2 88.1 89.1 90.1 91.1 92.1 93.1 94.1 95.1 96.1 97.1 98.1 99.1 99.2 100.1 100.2 101.1 101.2 102.1 103.1 104.1 104.2 105.1 106.1 107.1 108.1 109.1 110.1 111.1 111.2 112.1 113.1 114.1 115.1 116.1 117.1 118.1 119.1 120.1 120.2 121.1 121.2 122.1 123.1 124.1 125.1 126.1 127.1 128.1 129.1 130.1 130.2 131.1 132.1 133.1 133.2 134.1 134.2 135.1 136.1 137.1 138.1 139.1 140.1 141.1 142.1 143.1 144.1 145.1 146.1 146.2 147.1 148.1 149.1 150.1 151.1 152.1 153.1 154.1 155.1 156.1 157.1 158.1 159.1 160.1 161.1 162.1 163.1 164.1 165.1 166.1 167.1 168.1 169.1 169.2 170.1 171.1 171.2 172.1 173.1 174.1 175.1 176.1 177.1 178.1 179.1 180.1 181.1 182.1 183.1 184.1 185.1 186.1 187.1 188.1 189.1 190.1 191.1 192.1 193.1 194.1 195.1 196.1 197.1 198.1 199.1 200.1 201.1 202.1 203.1 203.2
Rialacha Íocann an Roinn Coimirce Sóisialaí Sochar Máithreachais le mná a bhfuil méid áirithe ranníocaíochtaí ÁSPC déanta acu ar a dtaifead árachais féin agus a bhíonn in obair aitheanta suas go dtí an chéad lá dá saoire mháithreachais. Is féidir leis an lá oibre deireanach a bheith ar lá ar bith laistigh de 16 seachtainí den dáta ar a bhfuil tú ag súil le breith an linbh. Is féidir leis na ranníocaíochtaí teacht ó fhostaíocht nó ó fhéinfhostaíocht - is iad A, E, H agus S (féinfhostaíocht) na haicmí ÁSPC a bhíonn i gceist. Má tá tú fostaithe caithfidh tú: - Ar a laghad 39 seachtainí ÁSPC a bheith íoctha agat sa tréimhse 12 mí roimh an gcéad lá de do shaoire mháithreachais; Nó - Ar a laghad 39 seachtainí ÁSPC a bheith íoctha agat ó thosaigh tú ag obair agus ar a laghad 39 seachtainí ÁSPC a bheith íoctha agat nó creidiúnaithe duit sa bhliain cánach ábhartha nó sa bhliain cánach roimh an bhliain cánach ábhartha. Mar shampla, má bhíonn tú ag dul ar shaoire mháithreachais i 2017, is í 2015 an bhliain chánach ábhartha. Nó - Ar a laghad 26 seachtainí ÁSPC a bheith íoctha agat sa bhliain chánach ábhartha agus ar a laghad 26 seachtainí ÁSPC a bheith íoctha agat sa bhliain chánach roimh an mbliain chánach ábhartha. Mar shampla, má bhíonn tú ag dul ar shaoire mháithreachais i 2017, is í 2015 an bhliain chánach ábhartha agus is í 2014 an bhliain chánach roimh an bhliain chánach ábhartha. Mura gcomhlíonann tú na coinníollacha ÁSPC sin agus má bhí tú féinfhostaithe sular thosaigh tú ag obair mar fhostaí, féadfaidh tú do ranníocaíochtaí Aicme S a úsáid le cáiliú le haghaidh Sochair Mháithreachais - féach ar na coinníollacha ÁSPC i gcomhair daoine féinfhostaithe thíos. Má tá tú féinfhostaithe, caithfidh tú bheith i bhfostaíocht inárachais agus: - 52 seachtainí de ranníocaíochtaí ÁSPC a bheith íoctha agat ag Aicme S sa bhliain chánach ábhartha. Mar shampla, má bhíonn tú ag dul ar shaoire mháithreachais i 2017, is í 2015 an bhliain chánach ábhartha. Nó - 52 seachtainí de ranníocaíochtaí ÁSPC a bheith íoctha agat ag Aicme S sa bhliain chánach roimh an bhliain chánach ábhartha. Mar shampla, má bhíonn tú ag dul ar shaoire mháithreachais i 2017, is í 2014 an bhliain chánach roimh an bhliain chánach ábhartha. Nó - 52 seachtainí de ranníocaíochtaí ÁSPC a bheith íoctha agat ag Aicme S sa bhliain chánach cuí i ndiaidh na bliana cánach ábhartha. Mar shampla, má bhíonn tú ag dul ar shaoire mháithreachais i 2017, is í 2016 sa bhliain chánach cuí i ndiaidh na bliana cánach ábhartha. Ní bhronnfar ranníocaíochtaí Aicme ÁSPC S do bhliain ar leith go dtí go mbeidh an cháin atá dlite don bhliain sin íoctha agat. Ní mór do cháin ioncaim agus do dhliteanais ÁSPC (go príomha don bhliain chánach ábhartha) a bheith íoctha agat chun gur féidir leat cáiliú do Shochar Máithreachais. Mura gcomhlíonann tú na coinníollacha ÁSPC sin agus má bhí tú ag obair i bhfostaíocht inárachais sula raibh tú féinfhostaithe, féadfaidh tú do ranníocaíochtaí ÁSPC (Aicme A, E agus H) san fhostaíocht sin a úsáid le cáiliú le haghaidh Sochair Mháithreachais - féach ar na coinníollacha ÁSPC i gcomhair daoine féinfhostaithe thuas. Árachas ó fhostaíocht i dtír eile Má bhí tú fostaithe cheana i dtír ar bhain rialacháin an AE léi, d'fhéadfá do thuairisc árachais ón tír sin a chur le do ranníocaíochtaí ÁSPC in Éirinn ar an gcoinníoll go bhfuil ar a laghad ranníocaíocht amháin ÁSPC ag an ráta iomlán íoctha agat ó tháinig tú ar ais go hÉirinn chun cabhrú leat cáiliú don Sochar Uchtaíoch. Níor mhór gur íoc tú ar a laghad ranníocaíocht ÁSPC iomlán amháin in Éirinn laistigh de 16 seachtaine ó dheireadh na seachtaine ina bhfuil coinne leis go saolófaí do leanbh. Tá tuilleadh eolais in ár doiciméad maidir le ranníocaíochtaí árachais shóisialta ón choigríoch a chomhcheangal. Má tá tú ag fáil íocaíochta cheana féin Íocfar Sochar Máithreachais leat ag leath an ráta má tá tú ag fáil aon cheann de na híocaíochtaí seo a leanas: Má tá cúram lánaimseartha á sholáthar agat do dhuine eile, féadfaidh tú cáiliú do Liúntas Cúramóra ar leathráta le do Shochar Máithreachais. Faoin Acht um Chosaint Mháithreachais, 1994, tá bean a cháilítear do Shochar Máithreachais i dteideal éileamh a dhéanamh ar Fhorlíonadh Ioncam Teaghlaigh (FIT). Saoire a dheimhniú Fostaí: Caithfidh gach fostaí a saoire a bheith deimhnithe ag a fostóir. Má chríochnaíonn do chonradh fostaíochta laistigh de 16 seachtaine ó dheireadh na seachtaine ina bhfuil tú ag súil le breith do linbh áfach agus má shásaíonn tú na coinníollacha árachais shóisialaigh (ÁSPC), tá Sochar Máithreachais iníoctha ón lá tar éis an dáta ar do P45. Ní mór duit cruthúnas ar do dháta luí seoil a bhfuil tú ag súil leis a thabhairt dod’ fhostóir atá ag súil. I bhfocail eile, beidh ort deimhniú a chur ar fáil don fhostóir ó do dhochtúir a dhearbhaíonn dáta breithe tuartha do linbh. Caithfidh d'fhostóir foirm MB2 a chomhlánú ansin: Teastas Fostóra do Shochar Máithreachais (pdf). Féinfhostaithe: Má tá tú féinfhostaithe, ní mór do dhochtúir foirm MB3 a chomhlánú: Teastas Leighis don tSochar Máithreachais (pdf) chun dáta breithe do linbh a bhfuil tú ag súil leis a dheimhniú. Saoire a dheimhniú i gcás uchtála (fostaithe agus daoine féinfhostaithe): Caithfidh tú deimhniú socrúcháin maidir leis an leanbh a sholáthar. I gcás uchtála idir tíortha a tharla lasmuigh den Stát, caithfidh tú dearbhú incháilitheachta agus sonraí an lae socrúcháin nó an lá socraithe tuartha a thabhairt. An t-achar ama a íoctar Sochar Máithreachais Íoctar Sochar Máithreachais ar feadh tréimhse 26 seachtaine. Is íocaíocht 6 lá í Sochar Máithreachais a chumhdaíonn Luan go Satharn. Ní bhreathnaítear ar Dhomhnach mar lá teidlíochta Sochar Máithreachais. Ní mór 2 sheachtain ar a laghad a ghlacadh roimh dheireadh na seachtaine ina meastar go mbéarfar do leanbh ach ní féidir níos mó na 16 seachtaine a ghlacadh roimhe. Chun cinntiú go dtógfá an íostréimhse 2 sheachtain saoire mháithreachais, caithfidh tú do shaoire mháithreachais a thosú ar an Luan roimh an tseachtain ina bhfuil do leanbh. Mar shampla, má tá do dháta dlite an Chéadaoin 11 Meán Fómhair 2017, is Luan 2 Meán Fómhair 2017 é an dáta is déanaí le haghaidh tosú do shaoire mháithreachais. Féadfaidh tú 16 seachtaine breise de Shaoire Máithreachais gan pá ach ní bhaineann an Sochar Máithreachais leis. Cliceáil anseo le tuilleadh a fháil amach faoi Shaoire Mháithreachais. Breitheanna roimh am Go dtí le déanaí, má rugadh do leanbh roimh an dáta a raibh tú ag súil le dul ar shaoire mháithreachais, níor mhair do shaoire mháithreachais ach ar feadh 26 seachtain ón dáta a rugadh do leanbh (fad do shaoire mháithreachais). Le héifeacht ón 1 Deireadh Fómhair 2017, tá Sochar Máithreachais iníoctha ar feadh tréimhse fadaithe tar éis dheireadh na 26 seachtaine seo i gcás breithe roimh am. Fadaítear saoire máithreachais don tréimhse bhreise seo freisin. Freagraíonn sé leis an tréimhse ama idir dháta breithe iarbhír do linbh agus dáta tosaigh do shaoire mháithreachais agus do Shochair Mháithreachais a raibh tú ag súil leis. Chun dáta tosaigh d'éileamh ar Shochar Máithreachais a thabhairt chun tosaigh, beidh ort cóip de theastas breithe do linbh nó litir ón ospidéal ina ndearbhaítear dáta breithe iarbhír do linbh a thabhairt don Roinn Gnóthaí Fostaíochta agus Coimirce Sóisialaí. Beidh tuilleadh eolais ag teastáil ón Roinn chun cinneadh a dhéanamh ar aon teidlíocht ar Shochar Máithreachais breise de bharr chinéal breithe roimh am do linbh. Caithfidh tú litir ón ospidéal a sheoladh chuig an Roinn a dhearbhaíonn an dáta breithe iarbhír agus an líon seachtaine den tréimhse iompair ag a rugadh do leanbh, roimh dheireadh na chéad 26 seachtain de Shochar Máithreachais. Teastaíon an t-eolas seo chun a chinntiú go bhfaighidh tú do theidlíocht iomlán. Más mian leat, is féidir leat an t-eolas seo go léir a sholáthar i do litir thosaigh chun na Roinne. Léiríonn an sampla seo a leanas conas a oibríonn an teidlíocht ar shochar mháithreachais bhreise. Sampla D'fhéadfadh go raibh sé beartaithe agat do shaoire mháithreachais a thosú i seachtain 37 de do thoircheas, coicís roimh an dáta breithe a raibh tú ag súil leis. Le héifeacht ón 1 Deireadh Fómhair 2017, má rugtar do leanbh i seachtain 30 de do thoircheas (thart ar 7 seachtaine sula mbeartaigh tú saoire mháithreachais a thosú) gheobhaidh tú saoire mháithreachais fós don chaighdeán 26 seachtain ón dáta breithe. Mar sin féin, is féidir leat 7 seachtaine breise a éileamh anois ag deireadh na 26 seachtain, agus mar sin mairfidh do shaoire mháithreachais agus do Shochar Máithreachais go dtí go mbeidh do leanbh thart ar 33 seachtain d'aois. (Roimhe seo, má rugadh do leanbh i seachtain 30 de do thoircheas, thart ar 7 seachtaine sula raibh sé beartaithe agat do shaoire mháithreachais a thosú, ní fhéadfá ach máithreachas agus Sochar Máithreachais a fháil ar feadh 26 seachtaine san iomlán ón dáta breithe.) Marbh-bhreith agus breith anabaí Má bhíonn marbh-bhreith nó breith anabaí i gceist ag am ar bith tar éis an 24ú seachtain den toircheas, tá tú i dteideal 26 seachtainí de Shochar Máithreachais agus de shaoire mháithreachais, má tá na coillíollacha ÁSPC comhlíonta agat. Le hiarratas a dhéanamh ar Shochar Máithreachais i gcás marbhghine, ní mór duit litir ó do dhochtúir a sheoladh in éineacht leis an bhfoirm iarratais ar Shochar Máithreachais, a dheimhníonn an dáta a raibh súil leis an leanbh, an dáta a saolaíodh an leanbh agus an líon seachtainí den toircheas a bhí caite. Do leanbh á c(h)oinneáil san ospidéal Má tá do leanbh á choinneáil san ospidéal, agus má bhí Sochar Máithreachais á fháil agat ar feadh 14 seachtaine ar a laghad, féadfaidh tú íocaíocht an tSochair Mháithreachais den 12 sheachtain atá fágtha a chur siar (ó 1 Márta 2007 ar aghaidh) ar feadh tréimhse chomh fada le 6 mhí. Ba chóir duit scríobh chuig Rannóg Shochar Máithreachais na Roinn Gnóthaí Fostaíochta agus Coimirce Sóisialaí más mian leat íocaíocht do Sochar Máithreachais a chur siar. Ní mór duit scéal a chur i scríbhinn chuig Rannóg an tSochair Mháithreachais nuair a scaoiltear do leanbh amach as an ospidéal agus tosófar ag íoc na 12 sheachtain atá fágtha de do Shochar Máithreachais leat laistigh de seacht lá. Dícháiliú chun Sochar Máithreachais a fháil Déanfar tú a dhícháiliú (cuirfear cosc ort) maidir le Sochar Máithreachais a fháil i rith na tréimhse sin ina bhfuil do Shochar iníoctha má bhíonn tú páirteach in aon fhostaíocht nó obair seachas gníomhaíochtaí tí i d’áras teaghlaigh féin. Má tá sé ar intinn agat filleadh ar do chuid fostaíochta níos luaithe ná mar atá scríofa ar d’fhoirm iarratais caithfidh tú é sin a chur in iúl do Rannóg an tSochair Mháithreachais coicís ar a laghad roimh an ‘dáta nua fillte ar an obair’. Mura gcuireann tú isteach ar Shochar Máithreachais laistigh de shé mhí ón tráth a shaolaítear do leanbh, féadfaidh tú an sochar a chailliúint. Íocaíocht thar lear Is féidir le saoránaigh an AE agus taobh amuigh den AE dul ar saoire thar lear agus Sochar Máithreachais suas go 6 seachtaine a fháil agus iad thar lear. Is féidir le saoránaigh an AE (agus saoránaigh na hIorua, na hÍoslainne, Lichtinstéin nó na hEilvéise) sochar máithreachais a fháil as aon tréimhse dá sochar uchtála a chaitheamh i dtír eile den AE (nó san Iorua, san Íoslainn, i Lichtinstéin nó san Eilvéis) Chun sochar máithreachais a fháil agus tú thar lear, ní mór duit Rannóg an tSochair Mháithreachais a chur ar an eolas go bhfuil sé i gceist agat bheith thar lear trí ríomhphost ag: maternityben@welfare.ie nó trí glao a chur ar 01 471 5898 ná ar íosghlao: 1890 690 690. Cé mar a dhéantar an íocaíocht Íoctar Sochar Máithreachais díreach isteach i do chuntas bainc nó i do chuntas cumann foirgníochta (cuntas reatha nó taisce, seachas cuntas morgáiste) nó d’fhéadfá a roghnú go n-íoctar é díreach isteach i gcuntas bainc d’fhostóra. Déantar íocaíocht gach seachtain roimh ré.