Noel Rock (Dublin North West, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

134. To ask the Minister for Social Protection the number of persons whose maternity benefit is delayed; the reason for the delay; the average waiting time for receiving maternity benefit; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21219/17]

Leo Varadkar (Dublin West, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

Currently there are over 2,800 claims for maternity benefit waiting to be processed. Just over 1,200 of these (approximately 43%) have a leave commencement date of 1^stMay 2017 or earlier. Maternity benefit claims are processed in leave commencement date order. The average time to process a paper claim is 6 weeks. Processing claims by leave commencement date order ensures that those whose maternity leave is impending or has already started receive priority.

To alleviate delays, additional staff have been assigned and staff are working overtime. I want to assure customers that every effort is being made to ensure all claims are processed as quickly as possible.

The Department also facilitates online applications for maternity benefit and an automated decision is made where the customer submits all necessary information and where the detail provided can be validated. I would ask the Deputy to encourage women who are planning maternity leave to use this channel, if possible, as it provides the most effective method of applying for maternity benefit.

I hope this clarifies the position for the Deputy. If you require any further assistance on this query please do not hesitate to contact my office.