mum2be.ie

[babybearmum]

Hi all, hope you and bumps are all doing well and no doubt very excited about this year!! I am looking at the maternity benefit pdf form for the first time and I see that they ask what date you want to return to work, if you are in employment? I know that we don't need to give this much notice to our bosses, so is this just to see if anyone plans to return to work earlier than the 6 months' leave? I am not sure what to put down as I don't yet how long I will be off, within reason. It could be 8-9 months maybe. If anyone has done this already, do let me know! Maybe I should just say 6 months, as that is all that is relevant to social welfare?
FYI all - this form needs to be sent in minimum 6 weeks before you got on mat leave, if you're employed and 12 weeks if you're self employed. It's all here: http://www.welfare.ie/EN/Forms/Documents/mb10.pdf

[babyL]

Isn't maternity leave 26 weeks, so I'm guessing they want the date when that will be up! Maybe I'm wrong with your maternity leave!

[babybearmum]

Oh right! It is 26 weeks of course, technically over 6 months then. Even better! So yes I guess I just put that down, anything after that isn't relevant (except to me!!) Thanks.

[babyL]

Exactly, usually you put down that your starting maternity 2 weeks before baby arrives and 24 weeks after, but remember your entitled to your holidays from work aswell!

[babybearmum]

Oh yes, thanks!

[newbaba]

Ha thats funny I was just looking at the form as well. Does anyone know do you still get 26 weeks if you are self employed?? I think you do but just want to make sure? Thanks

[Rathmineslady]

You are entitled to your annual leave plus any bank holidays that fall during your maternity leave. This is not classed as maternity leave, as far as i am aware, it would be your annual leave from work. Legally you are supposed to finish up 2 weeks before your due date and i think you only have to give your employer 4/6 weeks notice on your date of return to work. My job were asking me when i would be finishing up and i was only 4 months pregnant at the time. Now i have a little over two months left in work and it can't come in quick enough. Wish i was finished this week.

[lovemylilbean]

i know i have ages to go yet but was looking through it there, i live with my oh n u have to say this on the form so will payment be affected coz of my living with him or doesnt makeany difference at all, my work wont n dont pay maternity leave, i know ur entitled to 70% of ur wages on the maternity benifit