Maternity Benefit is a payment for employed and self-employed women who satisfy certain PRSI contribution conditions on their own insurance record. 

You will qualify for Maternity Benefit: 

If you are an Employee and you: 

Are in employment, which is covered by the Maternity Protection Act 1994 immediately before the first day of your maternity leave. The last day of insurable employment may be within 14 weeks of the expected date of birth of your baby. (If you cease employment, your Maternity Leave must commence from the following day.) And * Satisfy certain PRSI contribution conditions 

If you are Self-Employed and you: 

Are in insurable Self-Employment and  Satisfy certain PRSI contribution conditions. 

For further information mail: maternityben@welfare.ie