Maternity Benefit is a payment for employed and self-employed pregnant women who satisfy certain PRSI contribution conditions on their own insurance record.
Health and Safety Benefit is a weekly payment for women who are granted health and safety leave under the Maternity Protection Act, 1994. Health and safety leave is granted to an employee when the employer cannot remove a risk to her health or safety during her pregnancy or while breastfeeding, or cannot give her other 'risk-free' duties.