Brought to you by the Department of Social Protection.
You could be entitled to Paternity Benefit.
Having a child is a magical experience and the first few months is a special time. Sure, there are the sleepless nights and booby trapped nappies but there are also countless moments that you’ll never forget.
Your baby is growing and changing and developing into a little person right in front of your eyes. It’s easy to miss these formative moments if you’re at work and unable to be there.
Since September 2016, fathers are entitled to two weeks’ paid paternity leave. So instead of sleeping your way through work and wondering what your new pride and joy is getting up to at home, you could be there.
So how does paternity leave work? Here’s what you need to know if you’ve just had a baby or you have a new arrival on the way.
What is Paternity Benefit?
You’ve heard of maternity leave, right? Well, paternity leave entitles you to two weeks off following the birth of your child. Paternity benefit means that new fathers can also qualify for a weekly payment of €235 for two weeks to allow you to spend some quality time with your new arrival. You can claim this benefit in order to take paternity leave following the birth of your child.
Can I take the two weeks over a period of time?
You do need to take all of your paternity leave in one single block. So if you only take a week, you can’t apply for the other week a month later.
How is Paternity Benefit paid?
It can be paid by electronic fund transfer into your nominated bank account or building society account. If your employer continues to pay your wages during your paternity leave, it can be paid directly into your employer’s account.
Is Paternity Benefit taxed?
The Department of Social Protection won’t tax your benefit but they will notify the Revenue Commissioners of the amount of Paternity Benefit that is taxable for income tax purposes. They’ll review it to decide whether you need to be taxed.
Do I need to live with the mother of my child to claim the benefit?
No, you’re still entitled to claim the benefit even if you don’t cohabit with your child’s mother.
Can Paternity Benefit only be claimed by men?
Paternity Benefit can be claimed by the spouse, cohabitant or civil partner of the child’s mother regardless of their gender. If the child is being adopted, it can be claimed by the spouse, cohabitant or civil partner of the adopting mother. Or it can also be claimed by the spouse, cohabitant or civil partner of a sole male adopter.
Can I claim Paternity Benefit if I’m adopting my partner’s child?
Yes, you can apply for Paternity Benefit even if you are adopting an older child but it still needs to be taken within 26 weeks of the date when the adoption is finalised.
Can I get more money if I have twins or triplets?
This benefit is capped at €235 a week, regardless of how many children you have. The benefit is designed to allow you take time off work but the amount that you get paid will remain unchanged whether you have twins, triplets or even quadruplets.
How do I apply for Paternity Benefit?
You apply to the Department of Social Protection for Paternity Benefit. The payments will be covered by social insurance, which is the money you pay towards PRSI. To qualify for the benefit, your paternity leave must begin on or within 26 weeks of your child’s estimated due date, date of birth, or placement in the case of adoptions. So you’ve missed the boat if your little darling is turning 15!
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What do I need to make an application?
You’ll need to give your employer at least four weeks’ notice if you plan to take paternity leave. You’ll also need your partner’s doctor to provide a certificate confirming your baby’s due date if you are applying before the baby is born, or their date of birth if you are applying for paternity leave after they are born. If you’re adopting your child, you must provide confirmation of the date of placement.
The other requirement for online applications is that you need a Public Service Card. You can then register for the Department’s MyWelfare service so that you can apply online via the website. Getting this admin work out of the way early will help to make the application process as painless as possible.
Do I need any other documentation?
If you’re employed, you’ll need your employer to complete a form stating that you’re actually entitled to paternity leave. There is a specific form available for this purpose – the PB 2: Employer Certificate (employee / PAYE applicant). New fathers who are self-employed will need to fill out a PB3: Doctors Certificate (self-employed applicants).
How do I find out if I qualify?
You need to satisfy some PRSI conditions to qualify. You can check out the conditions on the Departmental website. Once you submit the application, you can find out if your application was successful or not on the MyWelfare website, with updates being sent directly to your account.
Does social insurance paid outside Ireland count when assessing my claim?
You’ll need to be insurably employed in Ireland now to be in a position to make a claim. However, if you were previously insurably employed in a country that’s covered by EU regulations or in a country with which Ireland has a Bilateral Social Security Agreement, you could still qualify. You’ll still need to have paid at least one full rate PRSI contribution in Ireland but it is possible to combine your insurance record in another country with your Irish PRSI contributions to meet the requirements.
Will other social welfare payments affect the Paternity Benefit I’m entitled to?
The rate that you are entitled to will be affected if you are already receiving payments like the One Parent Family Payment, the Carer’s Allowance or the Widow’s, Widower’s or Surviving Civil Partner Contributory Pension. You can find out more on the Department’s website.
What happens if my child is premature?
So your baby has arrived early. Does that mean you can’t take paternity leave until the expected date? Not at all. You’ll need to inform the Paternity Benefit section of the Department and include a medical cert confirming the date of birth and the original expected date.
If you’re about to be a new father or you’ve just had a new baby, you should find out if you’re entitled to Paternity Benefit. It’s a special time for any father. Find out whether you qualify by checking out the Paternity Benefit section on the Department of Social Protection website.
Brought to you by the Department of Social Protection.
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