Maternity Benefit (Ireland)
Updated November 2026 · Free · No sign-up
Calculate Irish Maternity Benefit — the DSP’s flat ~€289/week for 26 weeks (Budget-adjusted annually — verify), the PRSI contribution conditions, optional 16 unpaid weeks, and employer top-up math.
Quick answer: Ireland pays a flat Maternity Benefit (~€289/week — Budget-indexed) for 26 weeks, PRSI-conditional, plus 16 optional unpaid weeks. Employers owe NO salary during leave unless contracts top up — the top-up question defines the real financial picture.
The Scheme
| Payment | Flat ~€289/week × 26 weeks (DSP-paid, Budget-adjusted — not earnings-linked) |
| PRSI conditions | 39+ weeks of contributions in set windows (or 26+26 across two years) — most employees qualify |
| Leave structure | 26 paid-benefit weeks (start 2+ weeks pre-due) + 16 optional UNPAID weeks |
| Employer role | No statutory salary duty — top-ups are contractual (public service and large employers commonly pay full salary less benefit) |
| Tax | The benefit is taxable (credits usually absorb much of it) |
Worked Examples
Example 1 — no top-up. €900/week earner: benefit €289 = 32% replacement — €15,886 over 26 weeks vs €23,400 forgone; the flat-rate design is Ireland’s big gap vs earnings-linked EU peers.
Example 2 — full top-up employer. Salary continues; the employer recoups the €289 (you sign it over or it offsets) — the standard professional-sector deal; ask HR WHICH deal yours is before planning.
Example 3 — the unpaid 16. Extending to 42 weeks total: the final 16 pay zero (PRSI credits protect pensions) — budget the stretch with the date planner.
Rights Around the Money
Full employment-rights continuity (leave accrues, public holidays credit), return-to-work protections, and the father/partner’s separate 2-week benefit + 9 weeks’ parent’s leave each (expanding) — Ireland’s family-leave patchwork rewards reading all the schemes together. Apply 6+ weeks ahead via MyWelfare.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much is Maternity Benefit in Ireland?
A flat ~€289/week (Budget-adjusted annually) for 26 weeks from the DSP — not linked to earnings; employer top-ups are contractual extras.
Do Irish employers pay salary during maternity leave?
No statutory duty — many (public service, large firms) top up to full pay less the benefit; the contract answers, not the law.
How long is Irish maternity leave?
26 benefit-paid weeks (starting at least 2 before the due date) plus 16 optional unpaid weeks — 42 total, job-protected throughout.
What are the PRSI conditions?
39 weeks of contributions in the relevant windows (alternatives exist) — standard employees qualify; recent self-employment has its own tests.
Is Maternity Benefit taxable?
Yes — taxable (USC/PRSI-exempt), typically absorbed partly by credits; top-up arrangements affect the net picture.
✓ Formula verified • Last updated: November 3, 2026