Blocked from maternity benefit

A chara, – I am exactly the person described in Karen McEvoy’s letter (July 9th).

A chara, – I am exactly the person described in Karen McEvoy’s letter (July 9th).

I’ve worked and paid PRSI for many years. However, when I rang the Maternity Benefit Section of the Department of Social Protection to inquire about my eligibility, I was asked (rhetorically I assume) if I expected the State to compensate me just because I was having a child.

To laugh or to cry . . . – Yours, etc,

ALLYSON SMITH,

Nottingham Street,

North Strand,

Dublin 3.