Changes to Maternity Benefit and Maternity Leave
With effect from 1 October 2017, Maternity Benefit is payable for an extra period after the end of the normal 26 weeks maternity leave in the event of a premature birth. Maternity leave is also extended for this extra period. The extension corresponds to the time period between the baby’s actual birth date and the expected start date of maternity leave and Maternity Benefit.