Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 10 December 2025
244. Deputy Grace Boland asked the Minister for Social Protection if he will give due consideration to changing the current discriminatory practice which grants a half rate of carer’s allowance to recipients of maternity benefit; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [70681/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraWeekly social welfare payments are intended to address an income need that arises due to a specified contingency that eliminates or significantly restricts a person’s ability to earn an income from employment.
Given that payments are based on a loss of the opportunity to earn an income, it is not the case that experiencing more than one contingency contemporaneously, each of which significantly limits the person’s ability to work, increases that opportunity or income loss, or justifies a double payment to compensate for that loss. Generally, people who are eligible for two social welfare payments at the same time receive the higher payment for which they are eligible – they do not receive both payments simultaneously.
However, there are a limited number of exceptions where a person may receive another payment. One such exception is a Half-rate Carer’s Allowance which may be paid with certain other payments, including Maternity Benefit.
Under this arrangement, a carer on Maternity leave may be eligible for the full weekly rate of Maternity Benefit at €289, as well as a Half-rate Carer’s Allowance at €130 for those aged under 66 and caring for one person. This means their weekly payment rises from €260 to €419 which is an increase of €159 per week. These rates will increase in January 2026.
I can assure the Deputy that receiving both Maternity Benefit and a Half-rate Carer’s Allowance is not discriminatory. In fact, this arrangement increases the recipient’s total weekly payments from the Department.
Maternity Benefit is paid at a weekly flat rate of €289 for 26 weeks, or 156 days and it is not subject to any additional payment for dependent adults or children. However, the flat rate of Maternity Benefit is compared to a notional Illness Benefit equal to the rate the recipient would be eligible for if she were on sick leave from work. This notional Illness Benefit rate includes thepersonal rate of Illness Benefit, and a potential Increase for a Qualified Adult and for a Child Support Payment or payments. The higher of the two rates is paid.
From January 2026, Child Support Payments will be €58 per week for children under 12 and €78 per week for children aged 12 or over. In addition, they may qualify for an Increase for a Qualified Adult of €162 per week during maternity leave, increasing to €168.60 in January 2026.
I trust this clarifies the position for the Deputy.
