What Is the Maternity Benefit Contact Number in Ireland?

The Maternity Benefit contact number in Ireland is (01) 471 5898.

As an employer, you play a key role in guiding your employees through their maternity leave and benefit entitlements. Ensuring they know which government department to contact for queries or emergencies helps you support your workforce.

Find out how expecting employees can find more information about Maternity Benefit eligibility, applications, and other important details.

Further Reading

• Are you aware of Ireland’s new retirement savings scheme? Find out in our Irish Auto Enrolment Pension guide.
• Explore the benefits of Private Health Insurance for Irish working mothers and what it covers.

Maternity Benefit Contact Number and Address in Ireland

Maternity Benefit is a social welfare payment made to pregnant women and new mothers who meet the eligibility criteria.

If your employees want to apply for Maternity Benefit in Ireland or seek information about it, they can reach out to the Maternity Benefit Section of the Department of Social Protection:

Maternity Benefit Section,

Department of Social Protection,

McCarter’s Road, Ardaravan, Buncrana,

Co. Donegal, F93 CH79

Contact number: (01) 471 5898, 0818 690690 (Lo-call)

Website: https://www.gov.ie/en/service/apply-for-maternity-benefit/

Email: maternityben@welfare.ie

If your employees need further information on Maternity Benefit, PRSI contributions, and other social welfare payments (like Paternity Benefit, Child Benefit, Carer’s Allowance) in the Republic of Ireland, they can:

• Visit the MyWelfare.ie portal or the Department of Social Protection website.
• Contact their local Intreo Centre or Social Welfare Branch office.
• Read more about Maternity Benefit entitlement.
• Learn about the PSRI contributions required for Maternity Benefit.

How Can Employers Help Employees Apply for Maternity Benefit?

Supporting your employees through the Maternity Benefit application process ensures compliance and helps them receive their entitlements without delays.

Here’s how you can assist:

• Provide official contact details: Ensure your employees know where to direct their queries for application processing, payment timelines, and eligibility checks, reducing confusion and delays.

• Inform employees about PRSI requirements: Your employees’ eligibility for Maternity Benefit depends on their PRSI contributions, but many may not fully understand how their contribution history impacts their claim. Early guidance can help clarify requirements, prevent confusion, and avoid application delays.

• Ensure payroll and employment records are readily available: Maternity Benefit applications often require proof of employment and recent earnings, so your HR teams should ensure easy access to these details for quick verification.

• Remind employees about application deadlines: Your employees must apply for Maternity Benefit at least 6 weeks before their maternity leave begins (or 12 weeks for self-employed workers) to avoid payment delays. Late applications can lead to missed or postponed payments.

• Assist with paperwork and documentation: Fill out the MB2: Employer Certificate for Maternity Benefit form, which requires employer certification. Verify your details, confirm the employee’s maternity leave dates, and ensure all information is accurate before submission.

What if your employees don’t qualify for Maternity Benefit?

In that case, you can:

• Check if they are eligible for alternative social welfare payments.
• Consider offering employer-sponsored maternity health coverage.
• Provide flexible work options or additional paid maternity leave benefit.

Offer Maternity Coverage to Your Employees With Kota

Maternity Benefit and other social welfare payments can support expecting or new mothers.

But as an employer, you’d want to extend more comprehensive health insurance support to your team, right?

This is where Kota can help.

With Kota, you can offer health insurance plans tailored to your team’s needs—without paperwork or admin hassles. Besides, you can support your team members even if they don’t have the PRSI contributions required for Maternity Benefit.

We partner with Irish Life Health to offer comprehensive health insurance options to your Irish team.

For example, Irish Life Health’s 4D Health 1 Plan includes €4,000 for home births and three nights of public hospital accommodation, plus add-ons like antenatal class coverage and breastfeeding consultancy.

Join Kota today and give your team the maternity support they deserve!