Paternity Benefit Ireland 2026 — €299/week for 2 weeks
Paternity Benefit in Ireland
Paternity Benefit pays €299 per week for 2 weeks to the relevant parent of a newborn or adopted child. Here is who qualifies, the PRSI requirements, when to take it, and how to apply.
Paternity Benefit — At a glance
- Weekly rate
- €299 per week
- Duration
- 2 weeks (€598 total)
- Time window
- Within 6 months of birth/adoption
- How to apply
- Form PB1 or MyWelfare.ie — at least 4 weeks before leave
Key facts — Paternity Benefit 2026
Who qualifies for Paternity Benefit?
- You are the father, same-sex partner, or relevant parent of a newborn or newly adopted child
- You are employed or self-employed in Ireland
- You have the required PRSI contributions (see below)
- You take your 2 weeks of paternity leave within 6 months of the birth or adoption
- You are not already receiving another social welfare payment during the same period
PRSI requirements for Paternity Benefit
| Employment type | PRSI requirement |
|---|---|
| PAYE employee — Option 1 | 39 paid contributions in the relevant tax year (second last complete year before claim) |
| PAYE employee — Option 2 | 39 paid contributions in the 12 months before the birth or adoption |
| PAYE employee — Option 3 | 26 paid contributions in each of the last 2 complete tax years |
| Self-employed | 52 PRSI Class S contributions in the relevant tax year |
Paternity Benefit vs Parent's Leave
Paternity Benefit is sometimes confused with Parent's Benefit. They are different:
| Paternity Benefit | Parent's Benefit | |
|---|---|---|
| Duration | 2 weeks | 9 weeks |
| Rate | €299/week | €299/week |
| Who can claim | Relevant parent only | Either parent |
| Window | Within 6 months of birth/adoption | Within 2 years of birth/adoption |
| Can they be combined? | Yes — you can take both | |
How to apply for Paternity Benefit
-
Complete form PB1
Download form PB1 from gov.ie or collect it from an Intreo Centre. Complete your personal details, PRSI details, and the planned dates of your paternity leave.
-
Get your employer to sign (employees only)
Your employer must complete and sign the employer section of PB1, confirming your employment and the dates of your paternity leave.
-
Submit at least 4 weeks before your leave starts
Send the completed form to the Paternity Benefit section of the Department of Social Protection. You can also apply online at MyWelfare.ie.
-
Receive payment
Paternity Benefit is paid weekly directly into your bank account during your 2 weeks of leave.
Frequently asked questions
How much is Paternity Benefit in 2026?
€299 per week for 2 weeks, giving a total of €598. The rate is fixed and does not depend on your salary.
Who can claim Paternity Benefit?
The father, same-sex partner or relevant parent of a newborn or newly adopted child, provided they have the required PRSI contributions and take the leave within 6 months of the birth or adoption.
What PRSI is needed for Paternity Benefit?
39 paid PRSI contributions in the relevant tax year (or alternative qualifying options). Self-employed need 52 Class S contributions. PRSI Classes A, E, H, P and S count.
When can I take Paternity Benefit?
Any time within 6 months of the birth or adoption. It is taken as 2 consecutive weeks. You choose when.
Can self-employed fathers claim Paternity Benefit?
Yes, provided they have paid 52 PRSI Class S contributions in the relevant tax year.
Is Paternity Benefit taxable?
Yes — subject to Income Tax, not USC or PRSI.
Can I take Paternity Benefit and Parent's Benefit?
Yes. They are separate entitlements — 2 weeks Paternity Benefit plus up to 9 weeks Parent's Benefit (within 2 years of the birth).
- Paternity Benefit is only 2 weeks — do not confuse it with Parent's Leave (9 weeks), which is a separate additional entitlement
- It does not have to start immediately after the birth — you can take the 2 weeks at any point within 6 months of the birth or adoption
- Self-employed fathers do qualify — provided they have paid 52 PRSI Class S contributions in the relevant tax year
- Apply at least 4 weeks in advance — late applications may delay payment and cannot be backdated easily
This page was reviewed against official Irish government guidance and updated to reflect 2026 Paternity Benefit rates and PRSI conditions. Factual fix: One-Parent Family Payment rate corrected to €242/week.