Paternity Benefit pays you for 2 weeks off work after a birth or adoption. This guide shows who qualifies, what PRSI you need and how to apply on MyWelfare.
Paternity Benefit is a weekly payment from the Department of Social Protection (DSP) for 2 weeks of paternity leave. You apply online at MyWelfare.ie and it costs nothing. The rate is €299 a week in 2026.
Who this is for
You can take paternity leave if you are the father, the spouse, civil partner or cohabiting partner of the mother, or the parent of a donor-conceived child. In an adoption, it is the parent who is not taking adoptive leave. Same-sex couples can get it.
- You are an employee or self-employed and on paternity leave from work.
- You start your leave within 26 weeks (about 6 months) of the birth or adoption placement.
- You have enough social insurance (PRSI: Pay Related Social Insurance) paid at Class A, E, H or S.
- Employees need one of these: 39 weeks of PRSI paid in the 12 months before leave; or 39 weeks paid since starting work plus 39 weeks paid or credited in the relevant tax year or the year after; or 26 weeks paid in the relevant tax year and 26 in the year before. For leave in 2026, the relevant tax year is 2024.
- Self-employed people need 52 weeks of Class S PRSI in the relevant tax year, the year before or the year after.
What you need
- Your PPS (Personal Public Service) number
- A Public Services Card linked to your mobile and a verified MyGovID account, to apply online
- Form PB2, signed by your employer to confirm your leave dates, if you are an employee
- Form PB3, signed by a doctor to confirm the due date or birth date, if you are self-employed
- Proof of the due date (usually a doctor's certificate) or the date of birth
- For an adoption, the certificate of placement
- Your bank or building society account details (not a mortgage account)
Step by step
- Tell your employer in writing at least 4 weeks before your leave, giving the dates you plan to take.
- Choose 2 weeks in a row that start within 26 weeks of the birth or adoption.
- Ask your employer to fill in form PB2. If you are self-employed, ask a doctor to complete form PB3.
- Log in to MyWelfare.ie with your verified MyGovID and choose Paternity Benefit.
- Fill in the online form (PB1) and upload your signed PB2 or PB3.
- Submit at least 4 weeks before your leave starts, or 12 weeks before if you are self-employed.
- Tell the Paternity Benefit Section straight away if your dates change, for example if the baby comes early.
If you cannot apply online, send the forms by post or email to the Paternity Benefit Section, McCarter's Road, Buncrana, Co. Donegal, F93 CH79, or paternityben@welfare.ie. You must apply within 26 weeks of your leave starting.
How much it costs and how long it takes
| What | Employee | Self-employed |
|---|---|---|
| Form to certify | PB2, signed by your employer | PB3, signed by a doctor |
| Apply at least | 4 weeks before leave | 12 weeks before leave |
| PRSI class | A, E or H | S |
| PRSI credits while paid | Given automatically | Not given automatically |
The payment is free to claim. It is taxable, but you do not pay USC (Universal Social Charge) or PRSI on it. If you have a dependent partner or children, you get the higher of the Paternity Benefit rate or the Illness Benefit rate with increases.
Common mistakes
You can split the 2 weeks and take them at different times.
The 2 weeks must be taken together, in one block.
- Applying too late. Apply 4 weeks ahead, or 12 if you are self-employed, so the money arrives on time.
- Uploading form PB2 or PB3 on its own. It must go with your application.
- Forgetting to tell your employer in writing 4 weeks before your leave.
- Changing your mind and not taking the leave. You cannot be paid if you do not take it.
If something goes wrong
- Paternity Benefit Section: 074 9164496 or 0818 300600, email paternityben@welfare.ie.
- Baby born early: send your employer's letter with the new dates and the date of birth.
- Baby in hospital: you can postpone your leave and benefit for up to 6 months.
- Refused: appeal to the Social Welfare Appeals Office within 60 days of the decision, online on MyWelfare or with form SWAO1.
- Citizens Information Phone Service: 0818 07 4000, Monday to Friday, 9am to 8pm.
Related guides
- How to apply for Maternity Benefit
- How to apply for Parent's Benefit
- How to register a birth
- How to apply for Child Benefit
- How to get a verified MyGovID
Paternity Benefit rises by €10 to €309 a week (Budget 2027)
