You can now apply for maternity benefit by completing a Maternity Benefit application form (MB1) (pdf) and sending it to the Maternity Benefit Section of the Department of Social Protection. MB1 forms are completed by the Employee.
You should apply 6 weeks before you intend to go on maternity leave. If you are self-employed, you should apply at least 12 weeks before you intend to go on maternity leave.
The MB1 form replaces the MB10 form which was previously required in order to claim Maternity Benefit. The MB10 form previously required employers to complete the employee’s PRSI record for the 12 month period immediately before her maternity leave starts. This is no longer required.
Employers are now only required to complete the Employer Certificate (MB2) form after the employees 24th week of pregnancy. The employer should complete the employee’s expected due date and the Maternity leave start and end date. The employer should also include the employer’s bank details where the employee authorises that the Maternity Benefit can be paid to her employer.
If the person is self-employed or has recently become unemployed, then an MB3 form must be completed by her doctor.
All forms are available on the DSP website welfare.ie
You also apply for Maternity Benefit online at mywelfare.ie . You upload your supporting documentation and submit it online with your application.