Entitlements for young expectant mums???

ExpectantMum

hi im 20 and expecting my first baby in april. im 27 weeks and have been working up until now, but im beginning to feel unable for work. Im caught in a bit of a sticky situation cos if i leave work i wont have any source of income. Is there any benefits or assistance i can claim while out of work waiting for the lil one to arrive??

if not, is there anything anyone can do for me??

thanks,
Boards.ie newbie and excited but worried mum-to-be,
Roz

Nevyn

http://www.citizensinformation.ie/categories/social-welfare/social-welfare-payments/social-welfare-payments-to-families-and-children

Maternity Benefit is a payment made to women in Ireland on maternity leave from work and who have paid a certain amount of PRSI (Pay Related Social Insurance). You need to apply for the payment 6 weeks before you intend to go on maternity leave (12 weeks if you are self-employed). The amount of money paid to you each week will depend on your earnings. If you are already on certain social welfare payments then you will receive half-rate Maternity Benefit.

Maternity Benefit is paid directly to you on a weekly basis into your bank or building society account. Some employers will continue to pay an employee, in full, while she is on maternity leave and require her to remit any social welfare payment to them. You should check your contract of employment to see what applies to you. Maternity Benefit is a tax-free payment. Click here to find out how Maternity Benefit is treated for tax purposes.

If you consider that you have been wrongly refused Maternity Benefit, or you are unhappy about a decision of a Social Welfare Deciding Officer about your entitlements, you have the option of appealing this Social Welfare decision.
Leave certification

All employees must have their leave certified by their employer. However, if your contract of employment ends within 16 weeks of your expected date of confinement and you satisfy the PRSI contribution conditions, benefit will be payable from the day after the date on your P45.
Length of time Maternity Benefit is paid

From 1 March 2007, Maternity Benefit is paid for 26 weeks. To qualify for 26 weeks Maternity Benefit you must start your maternity leave on or after 1 March 2007. At least 2 weeks and not more than 16 weeks leave must be taken before the end of the week in which your baby is due.

If your baby is born later than expected and you have less than 4 weeks maternity leave left, you may be entitled to extend your maternity leave to ensure that you have a full 4 weeks off following the week of the birth. In these circumstances Maternity Benefit will continue to be paid to you until the baby is four weeks old. You need to notify the Maternity Benefit Section of the Department of Social and Family Affairs by sending them a letter from your GP stating the date on which your baby was born.

I would suggest talking with your gp.

ExpectantMum

thats all well and good but i still have to apply for maternity leave, which cud take longer than 6 weeks... what should i do till then? The other problem is i havent been workin long enough to get illness cover from work.

I have spoke with my GP, and even he was at a loss as to what i should do.... shouldnt there be something there for young pregnant girls who cant work???

*edit* i am also renting a house which i need the money to pay for

Nevyn

Then I would suggest going to talk to your local social welfare officer in your local clinic and get some advice and help.

embee

ExpectantMum,

You really need to apply for your Maternity Leave asap - why are you letting it drag? You're 6 months pregnant!

Anyways, if you really are strapped for cash, you can talk to your local Community Welfare Officer. They can give you emergency payments until your Maternity Benefit kicks in (though it is discretionary and will all be taken back off you once your get your Maternity Benefit).

Your GP should sign you off sick - there is sick pay available if you satisfy certain PRSI contributions. See the link below.

http://www.citizensinformation.ie/categories/employment/employment-rights-and-conditions/leave-and-holidays/sick_leave/?searchterm=sick%20leave

Are you living alone? Is your partner supporting you? You need to look into medical cards, rent allowance, one parent family payment if you are on your own.

Get down to your Social Welfare clinic asap.

ExpectantMum

thanks embee, but i havn t worked long enough to get illness benefit, or even maternity benefit!!! and my manager was pretty certain that the company dont pay maternity leave cos they dont even pay sick leave... so whether i go for maternity leave or just quit makes no difference, as its unlikely il be returning to work anyway.

*edit* how come this has never been an issue with people before. considering the amount of young mothers out there that, like me, may not satisfy the prsi payments?
?????

Nevyn

Maternity benefit is paid by the state.
You fill in the forums and get a check or it put into your account.
Companys oftern choose to top up maternity benefit of thier permanant staff as it is does not equal the full salary.

Rates of payment from January 2008:

Maternity Benefit Weekly rate
Maximum payment €280
Minimum payment €221.80

http://www.welfare.ie/forms/mb10.pdf

ExpectantMum

as i said, i am not eligible for maternity benefit, i havnt enough weeks prsi paid... thats why im here.... asking for help.
I have my homework done, ive looked into all these things but i dont quailfy... :(

Nevyn

Then you need to talk to your local community welfar officer about the disgressionary hardship fund.

ExpectantMum

ok, will do. sorry for being such a bother, was just getting really worried ya'kno.

But Im still set on the fact that there should be something there for people in my situation... instead of resorting to any sort of hardship fund.

Thanks for all the help, will be getting on to the local social welfare officer later.

delly

Your in an unfortunate position ExpectantMum, but like most benefit payments there is always criteria to fulfill or timescales that apply.

Nevyn

ExpectantMum wrote: »

ok, will do. sorry for being such a bother, was just getting really worried ya'kno.

But Im still set on the fact that there should be something there for people in my situation... instead of resorting to any sort of hardship fund.

Thanks for all the help, will be getting on to the local social welfare officer later.

I understand and I know it is crappy but that is what the fund is for,
to help those who fail to meet the citrea so that you are not struggling.

Kildrought

ExpectantMum, congrats on your baby.

You didn't answer embee's question as to whether or not you will be parenting alone? if you are there are a number of other benefits available to you.

some useful sites for you
www.treoir.ie
www.solo.ie
www.rollercoaster.ie
www.welfare.ie
www.revenue.ie (tax refunds)

l3LoWnA

If you leave work because of illness and you don't qualify for Illness Benefit surely you would get Illness Allowance? Unemployment Assistance? You need to speak to somebody from Social Welfare or as mentioned above, your community welfare officer. Check out http://www.welfare.ie/ they've all the rules and rates on that site.

dame

You said you're "beginning to feel unable for work". What kind of work do you do? Could you talk to your employer and ask them to assign you different duties that might be easier for you to manage? That way you could work for longer. (For example, doing something sitting down in an office rather than work that involved being on your feet a lot).

Quality

If you get a sick note from your doctor to cover you for work, you will get sick pay up til the baby is born, Then when the baby is born claim your one parent family book.

Also your community welfare officer can help with additional expenses ie money towards cot and buggy, YOu have to be very firm with them though cause if they can get away without giving it to you they will..

ExpectantMum

Thanks for all the suggestions.... not entitled to sick pay tho.

Although I am entitled to Health and Safety Leave and Benefit... which i mite avail of.

Other than that I found the Supplementary Welfare Allowance might be a useful way to go too.

dame

Did you take my earlier suggestion and see if you could change anything at work to make life easier while you're pregnant?

Check out the Health & Safety in Workplace Act 2005 and the Health & Safety in the Workplace (General Application) Regulations 2007. You are "entitled" (your favourite word) for your employer to alter your work conditions so that they suit you while pregnant. If you can show that the duties you must perform are not suitable (talking to manager/HR should do it) then they have to alter those conditions (give you different duties for the duration) or they may even have to give you leave if there is no other way they can have you working there while pregnant.

To be honest though, if you can work you should work. As in, doctor's cert's are for sick people. Pregnancy itself is not an illness, so unless you have a complication that definitely requires you to sop work then you are not "entitled" to sick leave anyway (even if you'de been working there long enough to get paid sick leave).

ExpectantMum

well, the work i do includes lots of bending, lifting, im on my feet all day and there isnt any alternative work. Its retail.

You see its not that im bed bound, but im just not able for the work, physically and pyschologically. There's no security and the place is in a rough area, where merchendise is constantly lifted... they come in with stanley blades to rip off the security tags...((we kno coz we recover loads of the slashed tags nearly every week))
A 1/4 of the staf that have been workin there longer than me have been to physio because of work related back pain.... i could go on and on....

dame

Here you go; http://www.entemp.ie/publications/sis/2007/si299.pdf

From the above (Safety, Health & Welfare at Work (General Application) Regulations 2007):

wrote:

Chapter 2
Protection of Pregnant, Post Natal and Breastfeeding Employees
Interpretation for Chapter 2.
147. In this Chapter:
“agent, process or working condition” includes an agent, process or working
condition, lists of which are shown in Part A of Schedule 8;
“employee” means a pregnant employee, an employee who is breastfeeding or
a post natal employee;
“employee who is breastfeeding” means an employee who, having given birth
not more than 26 weeks previously, is breastfeeding;
“post natal employee” means an employee who gave birth not more than 14
weeks preceding a material date;
“pregnant employee” means an employee who is pregnant.
Application of Chapter 2.
148. (1) This Chapter applies to an employee subject to her—
(a) notifying her employer of her condition as soon as is practicable after
it occurs, and,
(b) at the time of the notification, giving to her employer or producing for
her employer’s inspection a medical or other appropriate certificate
confirming her condition.
(2) Section 6(2) of the Act does not apply to the application of this Chapter.
Risk assessment.
149. Without prejudice to section 19 of the Act, an employer shall—
(a) assess any risk to the safety or health of employees and any possible
effect on the pregnancy of, or breastfeeding by, employees, resulting
from any activity at that employer’s place of work likely to involve a
risk of exposure to any agent, process or working condition as
referred to in Part A of Schedule 8 and, for that purpose, determine
the—
(i) nature,
(ii) degree and
(iii) duration
of any employee’s exposure to any agent, process or working
condition;
(b) take the preventive and protective measures necessary to ensure the
safety and health of such employees and avoid any possible effect on
such pregnancy or breastfeeding; and
(c) without prejudice to paragraph (a) and the relevant statutory provisions
relating to chemical agents and to the occupational exposure
limits laid down in any relevant approved code of practice—
(i) assess any risk to safety or health likely to arise from exposure of
a pregnant employee to an agent or working condition listed in
Part B of Schedule 8 resulting from any activity at that employer’s
place of work,(ii) assess any risk to safety or health likely to arise from exposure of
an employee who is breastfeeding to an agent or working condition
listed in Part C of Schedule 8 resulting from any activity at
that employer’s place of work, and
(iii) ensure that any such employee is not required to perform duties
for which the assessment reveals such risk.
Protective or preventive measures.
150. An employer shall—
(a) where—
(i) the risk assessment carried out under Regulation 149 reveals a
risk to an employee’s safety or health, or any possible adverse
effect on the pregnancy or breastfeeding of an employee, and
(ii) it is not practicable to ensure the safety or health of such
employee through protective or preventive measures,
adjust temporarily the working conditions or the working hours, or
both, of the employee concerned so that exposure to such risk is
avoided, and
(b) in cases in which the adjustment of working conditions or working
hours, or both, referred to in paragraph (a)—
(i) is not technically or objectively feasible, or both, or
(ii) cannot reasonably be required on duly substantiated grounds,
take the measures necessary to provide the employee concerned with
other work which does not present a risk to the safety or health of,
or any possible adverse effect on the pregnancy or breastfeeding by,
the employee.Night work.
151. (1) In this Regulation “night work” means work in the period between
the hours of 11 p.m. on any day and 6 a.m. on the next following day where—
(a) the employee works at least 3 hours in that period as a normal
course, or
(b) at least 25 per cent of the employee’s monthly working time is performed
in that period.
(2) An employer shall—
(a) if a registered medical practitioner certifies that it is necessary for the
safety or health of an employee that she should not be required to
perform night work during pregnancy or for 14 weeks following childbirth
not oblige her to perform night work during that period, and
(b) in a case to which subparagraph (a) relates—
(i) transfer the employee to daytime work, or
(ii) where such a transfer is not technically or objectively feasible on
duly substantiated grounds, or both, grant the employee leave or
extend the period of maternity leave.
Information.
152. An employer shall, without prejudice to the provisions of section 9 of
the Act, take appropriate steps to ensure that employees or their representative,
or both, are provided with information on—
(a) the results of the assessment referred to in Regulation 149, and
(b) the measures to be taken concerning employees’ safety and health
pursuant to this Chapter.

and:

wrote:

SCHEDULE 8
Lists of Agents, Processes and Working Conditions Relating to
Pregnant, Post Natal and Breastfeeding Employees
Part A
Pregnant, post natal and breastfeeding employees
1. Agents
(a) Physical agents
Physical agents where these are regarded as agents causing foetal
lesions or likely to disturb placental attachment (or both), and in
particular—(i) shocks, vibration or movement,
(ii) handling of loads entailing risks, particularly of a dorsolumbar
nature,
(iii) noise,
(iv) ionising radiation,
(v) non-ionising radiation,
(vi) extremes of cold or heat,
(vii) movements and postures, travelling, either inside or outside the
place of work, mental or physical fatigue and other physical burdens
connected with the activity of the employee.(b) Biological Agents
Biological agents of risk groups 2, 3 and 4 within the meaning of
relevant statutory provisions relating to biological agents, in so far as
it is known that these agents or the therapeutic measures necessitated
by such agents endanger the health of pregnant employees and the
unborn child but excluding those referred to in Part B of this
Schedule.
(c) Chemical Agents
The following chemical agents insofar as it is known that they
endanger the health of pregnant employees and the unborn child but
excluding those referred to in Part B of this Schedule—
(i) Substances and preparations classified under the
(I) European Communities (Classification, Packaging, Labelling and
Notification of Dangerous Substances) Regulations 2003 (S.I. No.
116 of 2003) as amended by the European Communities
(Classification, Packaging, Labelling and Notification of Dangerous
Substances) (Amendment) Regulations 2006 (S.I. No. 25 of
2006), and
(II) European Communities (Classification, Packaging and Labelling
of Dangerous Preparations) Regulations 2004 (S.I. No. 62 of
2004) as amended by the European Communities (Classification,
Packaging and Labelling of Dangerous Preparations)
(Amendment) Regulations 2007 (S.I. No. 76 of 2007)
with one or more of the following risk phrases—
Limited evidence of a carcinogenic effect (R40)
May cause cancer (R45)
May cause heritable genetic damage (R46)
May cause cancer by inhalation (R49)
May cause harm to the unborn child (R61)
Possible risk of harm to the unborn child (R63)
May cause harm to breastfed babies (R64)
Possible risk of irreversible effects (R68),
(ii) Substances and preparations referred to in Schedule 1 to the
Safety, Health and Welfare at Work (Carcinogens) Regulations
2001 (S.I. No. 78 of 2001),
(iii) Substances and preparations released by a process referred to in
Schedule 1 to the Safety, Health and Welfare at Work
(Carcinogens) Regulations 2001 (S.I. No. 78 of 2001),
(iv) mercury and mercury derivatives,
(v) antimitotic (cytotoxic) drugs,
(vi) carbon monoxide,
(vii) chemical agents of known and dangerous percutaneous
absorption.
2. Processes
Industrial processes listed in Schedule 1 to the Safety, Health and Welfare at
Work (Carcinogens) Regulations 2001 (S.I. No. 78 of 2001).
3. Working Conditions
Underground mining work.
Part B
Pregnant employees
1. Agents
(a) Physical Agents
Work in hyperbaric atmosphere, such as in pressurised enclosures and
underwater diving.
(b) Biological Agents
The following biological agents—
Toxoplasma
Rubella virus,
unless the pregnant employees are proved to be adequately protected
against such agents by immunisation.
(c) Chemical Agents
Lead and lead derivatives insofar as these agents are capable of being
absorbed by the human organism.
2. Working Conditions
Underground mining work.
Part C
Employees who are breastfeeding
1. Agents
Chemical Agents
Lead and lead derivatives insofar as these agents are capable of being
absorbed by the human organism.
2. Working Conditions
Underground mining work.

The store presumably has an office, if not on the premises then at another location. Firstly, inform them you are pregnant (with proof), then bring these regulations to their attention and request alternative duties (in the office for example). There's absolutely no point in just leaving. They're required to provide you with suitable working conditions and besides you can't afford to give up work right now.



You can look up the Health & Safety at Work Act 2005 yourself.

ExpectantMum

Thanks but o i kno all these... they have known im pregnant since i was around 13 weeks.... but never did the risk assessment. They have just casually said, o dont be lifting anything heavy or go get water wen u need it... that sort of thing.
We have an office but that is just for specifically manager duties.

dame

ExpectantMum wrote: »

Thanks but o i kno all these... they have known im pregnant since i was around 13 weeks.... but never did the risk assessment. They have just casually said, o dont be lifting anything heavy or go get water wen u need it... that sort of thing.
We have an office but that is just for specifically manager duties.

Time to insist they do the risk assessment then isn't it. Starting to sound like you just don't want to work and want us to hand you a perfect solution (whereby you get money into your pocket) while you relax at home.

Otherwise you could find yourself new work. What about temping? Plenty of offices out there looking for people for a few days/weeks/months. Get a bit of initiative and start looking.

ExpectantMum

no, its just im a not a very opinionated person and im extremely shy and submissive. I find it hard just INSIST things, even if its my right to. I know you didnt mean to, but i was hurt by that statement.

I never thought of looking for other work because i didnt think people would bother employng me the fact im so far along.

daiixi

ExpectantMum wrote: »

Thanks for all the suggestions.... not entitled to sick pay tho.

Entitled to or not, employers are under no obligation to pay you sick pay unless it's stated that they will in your contract. And I don't think there's many employers who are going to pay you sick pay because you're pregnant. Pregnancy is not an illness.

dame

ExpectantMum wrote: »

no, its just im a not a very opinionated person and im extremely shy and submissive. I find it hard just INSIST things, even if its my right to.

Right......but if we were to tell you now there's Ypoung Expectant Mother's Entitlement Payment X which you can get, so long as you fill in form Y, which you get from person Z.....then person Z refused to give you the form........I'll bet you wouldn't be so "shy and submissive" then! :rolleyes:

ExpectantMum

All i came on here for was a little bit of guidance in a time when i was realy genuinely lost..

Thanks for making me feel like an idiot...

dame

If the office is a definite no-no (and you don't know that as you haven't questioned it), then why don't you request that you be allowed operate the till only for the next few months (no carrying, lifting, stocking shelves/racks)? If they provide a decent chair and you get up and go for a walk around every hour or so then it should be perfecly manageable.

ArthurDent

ExpectantMum wrote: »

All i came on here for was a little bit of guidance in a time when i was realy genuinely lost..

Thanks for making me feel like an idiot...

I don't think people are trying to make you feel like an idiot - but it really is up to you to look after you and your little one - from now on you will have to stand up and demand your rights - you owe it to your baby. If you are going to be a single parent there is only you to make sure that you do the best you can for your child.
You are going to be faced with lots of things that will require you make hard decisions or take a stand. Raising a child is hard - very rewarding but hard. good luck

Nevyn

ExpectantMum if you have a problem with a post then use the report post function .

I would suggest that you find out where your local Citcens informatins centre is and go talk to someone there.

http://www.citizensinformationboard.ie/citizens/citizens_centres.html

ExpectantMum

ArthurDent wrote: »

I don't think people are trying to make you feel like an idiot - but it really is up to you to look after you and your little one - from now on you will have to stand up and demand your rights - you owe it to your baby. If you are going to be a single parent there is only you to make sure that you do the best you can for your child.
You are going to be faced with lots of things that will require you make hard decisions or take a stand. Raising a child is hard - very rewarding but hard. good luck

Thanks I really appreciate it, and I am trying. It was unplanned (wel il just say it happened earlier than I expected because unplanned sounds as if i would change something if i had to do it again, which i wouldn't dream of), and things are just moving so fast at the moment that its hard to keep up with myself..:)
I am looking forward to every minute of it!!! Just wanted to get off on the right foot money-wise and needed the extra bit of help finding out what i could do, to have a bit of security BEFORE i had my baby.

---

And its not like im only looking for answers on this forum, i am seeking local help aswel but i thought id start the discussion here and just to see if anyone had alternatives/suggestions/improvements and just general advice and opinions(not, what i felt was, a character assination, on certain posters' part, but then again maybe im just being over sensitive:().

But anyway, a big thank you:D:D:D for those who were replying to me in a positive and generous way and i appreciate all your help.

Seen as I cannot avail of the Maternity Benefit payment(wont have 39weeks prsi paid) I am considering handing in my notice, no point holding on to the job, as i won't benefit financially and im doubtful i will want to continue full time work straight after my maternity leave. Its always appealed to me to stay at home for the first few years of my kids life. And il probably go back to college then after. I will apply for the SWA and see what good comes from it (fingers crossed).. other than that... il just have to tough it out and maybe sacrifice a few things, but sure hey... it'l be worth it.:D:D:D

As you may have noticed, i am in an extremely positive mood. Have just come back from spending time with my friend and her baby so ive been just full of wonder and expectations... can't wait to meet my lil one....

dame

ExpectantMum wrote: »

But anyway, a big thank you:D:D:D for those who were replying to me in a positive and generous way and i appreciate all your help.

Actually, going to the bother of looking up legislation for you and making helpful suggestions as to what you could do at work to make life easier for you and enable you to continue working was being generous and positive. If you want to flippantly ignore that and get on your high-horse over a perceived character slight, then you really are an ungrateful little madam who doesn't deserve the help and time of people here.




How do you propose to provide for your child for the first few years of his/her life while you stay at home? The dole? Will you be looking for the council to provide a home for you both? Choosing to stay at home for the first few years of their child's life is something people may do when they are financially secure and not sponging, in my opinion. Why don't you try and get another job now, at least for the next few months? Also, if you seriously want to go to college, the sooner the better. The longer you leave it the harder it will be to go back to education. Why don't you look into starting a course next September? It can be done. The baby will be as old then as many other babies who are left with child-minders or in creches while their mothers return to work. There would be "entitlements" which would help you financially in doing so and you would be taking a very positive step towards being a positive role-model for your child and building a better future for you both.

Yes, I am being quite dismissive of you here. Feel free to get annoyed. I hope it spurs you out of your "entitlements" fixation.