Summary: HSE employees are entitled to 26 weeks of paid maternity leave, with the option of up to 16 additional weeks of unpaid maternity leave. Maternity Benefit is paid by the Department of Social Protection, and most HSE employees receive a top-up to full pay through the HSE maternity pay scheme.

This guide covers everything you need to know about maternity leave as an HSE employee — from how much leave you are entitled to, how pay works, how to apply, and your rights on return.

Maternity Leave Entitlements at a Glance

Type of Leave	Duration	Pay
Basic maternity leave	26 weeks	Maternity Benefit (DSP) + HSE top-up
Additional maternity leave	Up to 16 weeks	Unpaid
Total possible maternity leave	42 weeks	First 26 weeks paid

When Must Maternity Leave Start?

You must take a minimum of 2 weeks before your due date
Most HSE employees start maternity leave 4 weeks before their due date
You can choose to start maternity leave any time from 4 weeks before your expected date of confinement

How Much Will You Be Paid During Maternity Leave?

Maternity Benefit (State Payment)

Maternity Benefit is paid by the Department of Social Protection, provided you meet the PRSI contribution requirements.

Rate (2026): €289 per week (subject to annual DEASP updates)
Duration: 26 weeks
To qualify: you need at least 39 PRSI contributions in the relevant tax year, or 39 contributions in the 12 months before your maternity leave begins

Apply for Maternity Benefit at least 6 weeks before your maternity leave starts at MyWelfare.ie.

HSE Maternity Pay Top-Up

Most HSE employees are entitled to a top-up to bring their pay to full basic salary during the 26-week maternity leave period, under HSE HR Circular arrangements. This means:

You receive Maternity Benefit from the DSP
The HSE pays the difference between Maternity Benefit and your normal basic salary
You retain your full take-home pay during maternity leave

Important: You must assign your Maternity Benefit to your employer for the top-up arrangement to apply. This is done through your payroll/HR department. If you do not assign the benefit, you will only receive Maternity Benefit and no top-up.

Your eligibility for the top-up and the specific arrangements may depend on your contract, grade, and length of service. Confirm with your HR department.

Additional Unpaid Maternity Leave

After your 26 weeks of basic maternity leave, you can take up to 16 weeks of additional unpaid maternity leave. This brings the maximum total to 42 weeks.

There is no state benefit for additional maternity leave
Annual leave does not accrue during additional maternity leave
You do not need to give a reason for taking additional leave — it is a statutory right

Notify your employer that you intend to take additional maternity leave at least 4 weeks before the end of your basic maternity leave.

Annual Leave and Maternity Leave

Annual leave continues to accrue during both basic maternity leave and additional maternity leave. You are entitled to take this accrued leave either:

Immediately before your maternity leave starts
Immediately after your maternity leave ends
At a mutually agreed time

This can add several weeks to your overall absence. Discuss the timing with your manager well in advance.

Public Holidays During Maternity Leave

Public holidays that fall during your maternity leave (including additional unpaid maternity leave) are preserved. You are entitled to take them at another time.

Health and Safety During Pregnancy

If your role involves health and safety risks during pregnancy — such as heavy lifting, exposure to harmful substances, or night work — you are entitled to:

A risk assessment and removal of the risk
Transfer to suitable alternative work if the risk cannot be removed
Health and Safety Leave (paid leave) if no suitable alternative work is available

Health and Safety Leave is paid at your normal rate for the first 3 weeks, and at the rate of Maternity Benefit thereafter.

How to Apply for Maternity Leave

Step 1: Notify Your Employer

Give your employer at least 4 weeks’ written notice of your intention to take maternity leave. Ideally, notify HR as soon as you are comfortable sharing your pregnancy, to allow time for planning.

Use the HSE Maternity Leave application form (available from HR or HRPOL).

Step 2: Apply for Maternity Benefit

Apply for Maternity Benefit through MyWelfare.ie at least 6 weeks before your leave starts. You will need:

Your PPSN
Details of your employer and your expected leave dates
Your most recent P60 or payslip information

Step 3: Assign Maternity Benefit to Your Employer

To receive the HSE top-up, complete the Assignment of Maternity Benefit form and submit it to your payroll department.

Step 4: Notify of Additional Leave (if applicable)

If you intend to take additional unpaid leave, notify your employer at least 4 weeks before the end of your 26-week leave.

Returning from Maternity Leave

You are entitled to return to your original job on the same or no less favourable terms
If your role has changed for genuine business reasons, you are entitled to suitable alternative employment
You cannot be penalised, discriminated against, or dismissed for taking maternity leave
Give your manager adequate notice of your return date — at least 4 weeks is recommended

Breastfeeding on Return to Work

You are entitled to breastfeeding breaks or a reduction in working hours (without loss of pay) for up to 2 years after the birth. Speak to your manager to agree a suitable arrangement.

Maternity Leave and Pension

Your pension contributions and service typically continue during paid maternity leave as if you were at work. Additional unpaid maternity leave may affect your pensionable service. Contact the HSE Pension Section for guidance.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I start maternity leave early if I have pregnancy-related illness? If you are ill in the 4 weeks before your due date, your employer may require you to start maternity leave. Otherwise, illness before that point is treated as sick leave.

What if I have a premature birth? If your baby is born early, maternity leave starts from the date of birth. You are still entitled to your full 26-week period from that date.

Can I work up until my due date? You must begin maternity leave at least 2 weeks before your due date. Working right up to the due date is generally not permitted.

Will I lose my annual leave if my maternity leave goes into the next leave year? No. Annual leave that cannot be taken due to maternity leave carries over and must be facilitated on your return.

What if I am on probation when I become pregnant? You are still entitled to full maternity leave rights regardless of probation status. You cannot be dismissed or penalised for being pregnant.

Can I take my annual leave before my maternity leave starts? Yes. Discuss this with your manager to agree a schedule.

Useful Contacts

Department of Social Protection (Maternity Benefit): MyWelfare.ie or 0818 928 400
HSE HR Helpdesk: Your local HR Business Partner
Citizens Information: citizensinformation.ie
Workplace Relations Commission: workplacerelations.ie

This guide is based on the Maternity Protection Acts 1994–2004, HSE HR Circulars, and Department of Social Protection policy as of 2026. Confirm your specific entitlements — particularly the pay top-up arrangement — with your HR Business Partner.

HSE Maternity Leave Policy Ireland 2026: Full Guide for HSE Staff