Many employers pay you in full and have the benefit paid to them instead. Check your contract. Either way, you still need to apply, because the claim protects your PRSI record.
Quick facts
- Weekly rate
- €299 (2026)
- How long
- 26 weeks
- PRSI
- Usually 39 weeks paid in the last 12 months
- Apply
- 6 weeks before leave (12 if self-employed)
- Taxable
- Yes
- Plus
- 16 weeks' unpaid leave, credited
Who qualifies
You need to be on certified maternity leave and have enough PRSI at class A, E, H or S. The most common test for employees is "At least 39 weeks of PRSI paid in the 12-month period before the first day of your maternity leave". Two other tests use your record in the relevant tax year: for 2026 claims that is 2024.
Self-employed women need 52 weeks of Class S PRSI paid in 2024, 2023 or 2025 for a 2026 claim, and their tax for that year must be paid up.
When the 26 weeks run
"At least 2 weeks and not more than 16 weeks of leave must be taken before the end of the week in which your baby is due." "You can take a further 16 weeks of unpaid maternity leave immediately after your 26 weeks' paid Maternity Benefit." Each unpaid week gets a PRSI credit.
If your baby is premature, you get 26 weeks from the birth plus the weeks between the birth and your planned start date. A stillbirth from 23 weeks still carries the full 26 weeks.
Why some mothers get more than €299
If you have a partner or children, your rate is compared with the Illness Benefit you would get, including increases for them, and you get whichever is higher. It is worked out for you: you don't apply separately.
Citizens Information's example: a mother whose partner is signing on and who has two children under 12. "If she got Illness Benefit , she would get €538.60 - this is the personal rate of Illness Benefit (€254) + an Increase for a Qualified Adult (€168.60) + 2 Child Support Payments (CSP) for children under 12, previously called Increases for Qualified Children (€58 x2)." So she gets €538.60.
With other payments
"Working Family Payment (WFP) and full-rate Maternity Benefit and can be paid at the same time." If you get One-Parent Family Payment or a Bereaved Partner's Pension, you may get half-rate Maternity Benefit on top. You can also get half-rate Carer's Allowance if you care for someone full-time.
How to apply
Apply on MyWelfare.ie with a verified MyGovID, or on form MB1 by post. Your employer fills in form MB2; if you're self-employed or not working, your doctor fills in MB3. "Your doctor will not charge you for completing the MB3 form."
"Maternity Benefit is taxable." If you are refused, "You should appeal within 60 days of getting the decision."
Common questions
How much is Maternity Benefit in Ireland in 2026?
The standard rate is €299 a week. It can be higher if you have a partner or children, because you get the higher of Maternity Benefit or Illness Benefit with increases.
How long is Maternity Benefit paid?
26 weeks. You can take 16 more weeks of unpaid maternity leave after it, with PRSI credits.
When should I apply for Maternity Benefit?
At least 6 weeks before you plan to start maternity leave, or 12 weeks if you are self-employed.
Is Maternity Benefit taxed?
Yes, Maternity Benefit is taxable.
Can I get Maternity Benefit and Working Family Payment together?
Yes. Working Family Payment and full-rate Maternity Benefit can be paid at the same time.