Niamh Smyth (Cavan-Monaghan, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

2095. To ask the Minister for Social Protection the waiting times for processing of maternity benefit; the number of applications awaiting payment; the number waiting by county, in tabular form; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [28693/17]

Regina Doherty (Meath East, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

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. There are currently just over 5,000 maternity benefit claims waiting to be processed. Where all necessary information has been supplied, these claims should be processed in advance of the customer’s leave commencing. It is not possible to provide a county by county breakdown of the claims pending.

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.