Each parent can get 9 weeks of paid leave in a child's first 2 years. Here is who qualifies, when to tell your employer and how to claim on MyWelfare.
Parent's Benefit is a weekly payment from the Department of Social Protection (DSP) while you are on parent's leave from work. Each parent gets up to 9 weeks in the child's first 2 years. You apply free at MyWelfare.ie.
Who this is for
- Each parent of a child under 2, including adoptive parents (within 2 years of the adoption placement).
- Employees and self-employed people who are on parent's leave from work.
- People with 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 the benefit starts; or 39 weeks paid since starting work plus 39 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.
- Self-employed people need 52 weeks of Class S PRSI in the relevant tax year, the year before or the year after.
If the mother is getting Maternity Benefit, Parent's Benefit for that parent can only start once Maternity Benefit has ended.
What you need
- Your PPS (Personal Public Service) number and your baby's PPS number
- Your employer's details and their registration number (ERN), which is on your payslip
- A Public Services Card linked to your mobile and a verified MyGovID account
- The dates of your parent's leave, agreed with your employer
- Your bank or building society account details
Step by step
- Decide how you will take your 9 weeks: all at once, or in separate blocks of at least 1 week.
- Tell your employer in writing at least 6 weeks before your leave starts.
- Log in to MyWelfare.ie with your verified MyGovID and choose Parent's Benefit.
- Enter your baby's PPS number, your employer's details and your leave dates.
- Submit your claim at least 4 weeks before your leave starts. If you are self-employed, apply 6 weeks before.
- Choose to be paid into your own account, or into your employer's account if they pay you in full during leave.
If you cannot apply online, ask the Parent's Benefit Section for a paper form by email (parentsben@welfare.ie) or phone. You must claim within 6 months of taking your parent's leave.
How much it costs and how long it takes
| What | When |
|---|---|
| Written notice to your employer | At least 6 weeks before leave |
| Apply for the benefit (employee) | At least 4 weeks before leave |
| Apply for the benefit (self-employed) | 6 weeks before leave |
| Latest you can claim | Within 6 months of taking the leave |
| Use all your weeks | Within 2 years of the birth or adoption |
Claiming is free. The payment is taxable, but you do not pay USC (Universal Social Charge) or PRSI on it. If you have dependants, you may get a higher rate based on Illness Benefit.
Common mistakes
Parents of twins get 9 weeks for each baby.
For twins, triplets or more than one child adopted together, you get one payment only.
- Trying to give your weeks to your partner. You cannot transfer them, unless the other parent has died.
- Telling your employer too late. You must give at least 6 weeks' notice in writing.
- Letting the 2 years run out. You can only get the benefit within 2 years of the birth or adoption.
- Taking less than a full week at a time. Each separate block must be at least 1 week.
If something goes wrong
- Parent's Benefit Section: 074 9164496 or 0818 300600, email parentsben@welfare.ie. Address: McCarter's Road, Buncrana, Co. Donegal, F93 CH79.
- Refused: appeal to the Social Welfare Appeals Office within 60 days of the decision, online on MyWelfare or with form SWAO1.
- Social Welfare Appeals Office: 0818 747 434.
- 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 Paternity Benefit
- How to apply for Child Benefit
- How to register a birth
- How to get a verified MyGovID
Parent's Benefit rises by €10 to €309 a week (Budget 2027)
