Maternity Benefit
A weekly PRSI-based payment while you are on maternity leave. It is not means-tested, but it is taxable.
- Type
- Based on PRSI
- Paid
- Every week
- Taxable
- Yes
- Administered by
- Department of Social Protection
How much is Maternity Benefit?
€299/week
Standard weekly rate
Budget 2027: from January 2027
Amounts a week. Announced, not yet in force. Until January 2027 you are paid the current rate.
| Rate | Now | From January 2027 |
|---|---|---|
| Standard weekly rate | €299 | €309 |
Read from Department of Social Protection, Budget 2027, checked .
Paid for 26 weeks. You must start maternity leave at least 2 weeks before the end of the week the baby is due.
Effective from Checked
Who can get Maternity Benefit
- You must have enough PRSI contributions.
- You must be on the relevant statutory leave from work.
- Self-employed people can qualify on Class S contributions.
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Is Maternity Benefit means tested?
Maternity Benefit is not means-tested. It depends on your PRSI record.
Things people get caught by
- Maternity Benefit is taxable but not subject to USC or PRSI.
- Some employers top the payment up to full salary. That is a contractual matter, not a statutory one.
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What else you might get
Payments interact. These are the ones that commonly go with Maternity Benefit.
- Child Benefit
Paid separately for the child.