Paternity Benefit

Paternity Benefit

Paternity Benefit is a payment for employed and self-employed people who are on paternity leave from work and covered by social insurance (PRSI).

You can start paternity leave at any time within the first 6 months following the birth or adoption placement.

You should apply for the payment 4 weeks before you intend to go on paternity leave (12 weeks if you are self-employed).

You must also satisfy the PRSI contribution conditions.

If you’re an employee, you must provide your employer with proof of the expected date of confinement of your spouse or partner. In other words, you will be required to provide your employer with a certificate from your spouse or partner’s doctor confirming when your baby is due, or confirmation of the baby’s actual date of birth if you apply for leave after the birth has occurred. Your employer must then complete a form PB2: Employer Certificate for Paternity Benefit (pdf) to confirm that you are entitled to paternity leave.

If you’re self-employed, a doctor must complete a form PB3: Medical Certificate for Paternity Benefit (pdf) to certify the expected due date of your baby (or the baby’s date of birth). This is to confirm that you are entitled to paternity leave.