Éamon Ó Cuív (Galway West, Fianna Fail)
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2091. To ask the Minister for Social Protection the average delay in approving applicants for maternity benefit and putting them into payment from the time they apply for same; the reason for the delay; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [28647/17]

Regina Doherty (Meath East, Fine Gael)
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My Department has made good progress on processing of maternity claims and I can report that all claims relating to women who have already commenced their maternity leave have now been processed and the waiting time for these customers has been eliminated. My Department is currently processing claims where the expectant mother is commencing her maternity leave in the week commencing 19 June.

Claims are processed by reference to the ‘commencement of maternity leave date’ as this ensures that as many new mothers as possible have their claim awarded by the time they take their maternity leave.

I want to 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 benefit.

I hope this clarifies the position for the Deputy.