Willie O'Dea (Limerick City, Fianna Fail)
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2049. To ask the Minister for Social Protection if it is taking four weeks to process claims for maternity benefit in view of her recent commitment that this matter would be rectified; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [28178/17]

Regina Doherty (Meath East, Fine Gael)
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I am pleased to advise the Deputy that the number of claims awaiting processing where the mother/expectant mother has already commenced her maternity leave has been eliminated. The Department is currently processing claims where the expectant mother is commencing her maternity leave in the current week and the waiting time for these customers has been eliminated. While this does not provide the length of time required to process a claim, I believe it addresses the Deputy’s concern that expectant mothers were waiting for up to 4 weeks to receive maternity benefit payment and I can confirm that there is no longer a waiting period.

The time required to process a maternity benefit claim is not the most relevant factor as claims are processed by reference to the ‘commencement of maternity leave date’ to ensure as many new mothers as possible have their claim awarded by the time they take their maternity leave. Once a decision is made and the claim has been awarded, and where the leave has already commenced, payment issues on the following Monday and this payment will also include any arrears due to the customer at that point.

I want to again take the opportunity to highlight that 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.