You are Here: Home > Publications > Maternity Benefit - SW 11 > Does social insurance outside Ireland count?

Does social insurance outside Ireland count?

Leaflet Sections

If you were previously insurably employed in a country covered by EC Regulations or in a country with which Ireland has a Bilateral Agreement, you may combine your insurance record in that country with your Irish PRSI contributions to help you qualify for Maternity Benefit in Ireland. To qualify in this regard, you must have paid at least one full rate PRSI contribution in Ireland within 16 weeks of the end of the week in which your baby is due.

The countries covered by EC Regulations or under a Bilateral Agreement for Maternity Benefit purposes are:
  • Austria
  • Belgium
  • Bulgaria
  • Czech Republic
  • Denmark
  • Estonia
  • Finland
  • France
  • Germany
  • Greece
  • Hungary
  • Iceland
  • Ireland
  • Italy
  • Latvia
  • Liechtenstein
  • Lithuania
  • Luxembourg
  • Malta
  • Norway
  • Poland
  • Portugal
  • Republic of Cyprus (Cyprus South)
  • Romania
  • Slovakia
  • Slovenia
  • Spain
  • Sweden
  • Switzerland
  • the Netherlands
  • the United Kingdom

If you were working in one of the countries listed above in the relevant tax year, please submit your application form 12 weeks before your due date to give us time to get your insurance record from the appropriate country.

Last Updated: 25/05/2011 18:04

Request a Paper Copy

PDF Request Leaflet SW 11

PDF Request Form MB10

Or text “Form MAT” followed by your name and address to 51909 (Republic of Ireland only). Standard text rates apply.

Please read the Copyright and Disclaimer notice and the Privacy notice. Access to Public Sector Information