Parent's leave and Parent's Benefit in Ireland
Parent's leave is the most overlooked family leave in Ireland: 9 weeks for each parent, paid by Parent's Benefit, to be used before your child's second birthday.
Updated October 13, 2026 · sources checked October 13, 2026
In short
Each parent in Ireland can take 9 weeks of parent's leave in the first 2 years of a child's life or adoption placement, in one block or in separate weeks. Give your employer 6 weeks' written notice. If your PRSI qualifies, Parent's Benefit pays €299 a week as of October 2026. It is different from unpaid parental leave of 26 weeks.
The essentials, as of October 2026
| Parent's leave and Parent's Benefit | |
|---|---|
| Length | 9 weeks for each parent (7 weeks before 1 August 2024) |
| Deadline | Before the child's second birthday, or within 2 years of an adoption placement |
| How | One block of 9 weeks, or separate periods of at least one week |
| Notice to employer | At least 6 weeks, in writing |
| Parent's Benefit | €299 a week (rising by €10 from January 2027) |
| Tax | Taxable; no Universal Social Charge or PRSI on it |
| Transferable | No (except after the death of a parent) |
| Multiple births | Same entitlement as a single birth |
Who can take it
A "relevant parent" is a parent of the child, the spouse, civil partner or cohabitant of a parent, the parent of a donor-conceived child under the Children and Family Relationships Act 2015, or an adopting parent (and the spouse or civil partner of an adopting parent). Employees and the self-employed are both covered.
Giving notice
Your notice to your employer must be:
- in writing;
- at least 6 weeks before the leave starts;
- clear about the start date, how you will take it (one block or separate weeks) and how long;
- accompanied by a birth certificate, or a certificate of placement for an adoption.
Your employer can only refuse if you are not entitled. They can postpone once, for up to 12 weeks, for reasons such as seasonal work, no replacement, or several colleagues off at once, with written reasons at least 4 weeks before. If a postponement pushes you past your child's second birthday, the eligibility period can be extended by up to 12 weeks.
Parent's Benefit: who qualifies and how to apply
PRSI: classes A, B, C, D, E, H and S count. Employees need at least 39 weeks paid in the 12 months before the benefit starts; or 39 weeks paid since starting work plus 39 weeks paid or credited in the relevant tax year (2024 for 2026 claims) or the year after; or 26 weeks paid in the relevant tax year and 26 in the year before. The self-employed need 52 Class S contributions in the relevant tax year, or the year before or after.
Applying:
- Agree your dates with your employer (6 weeks' notice).
- Apply on MyWelfare.ie at least 4 weeks before the leave (6 weeks if self-employed), and no later than 6 months after taking it.
- Have ready: your baby's PPS number, your employer's registration number (ERN), and your employer's name and address. You declare that your employer approved the dates; the Department may check with them.
- You need a Public Services Card linked to your mobile and a verified MyGovID.
Your baby's PPS number arrives automatically when you register the birth within 3 months. See our guide to registering a birth in Ireland.
If you have a dependent partner or children, you get the higher of Parent's Benefit or the Illness Benefit rate with increases for dependants. Parent's Benefit Section: 074 9164496 or 0818 300600, parentsben@welfare.ie (as listed in October 2026).
Baby in hospital: you can postpone the leave and benefit, but must start within 7 days of discharge. If your child dies in the first year, you are still entitled to your parent's leave and Parent's Benefit.
All the leave for parents, compared
| Leave | Length | Paid by the State? |
|---|---|---|
| Maternity leave | 26 weeks + up to 16 unpaid | Maternity Benefit for 26 weeks |
| Paternity leave | 2 weeks in the first 6 months | Paternity Benefit for 2 weeks |
| Parent's leave | 9 weeks per parent, before age 2 | Parent's Benefit for 9 weeks |
| Parental leave | 26 weeks per parent, child under 12 | Unpaid |
| Leave for medical care | 5 days in any 12 months | Unpaid |
Ideas for using the 9 weeks
- Straight after maternity leave: the mother adds her 9 weeks to delay the return to work.
- A phased return: one week of parent's leave a month to ease into work or childcare.
- Partner's block: the partner takes 9 weeks when the mother goes back, so the baby starts childcare later.
- Settling-in: a week or two when your baby starts with a childminder or crèche.
Your checklist
The family leave planner in our Having a Baby in Ireland guide maps maternity, paternity and parent's leave for both parents on one page.
Questions parents ask
What is the difference between parent's leave and parental leave in Ireland?
Parent's leave is 9 weeks per parent, to be used before the child turns 2, and can be paid by Parent's Benefit. Parental leave is 26 weeks per parent for a child under 12, and it is unpaid.
Can I transfer my parent's leave to my partner?
No. Each parent has an equal, separate entitlement that cannot be transferred. The only exception is if one parent dies, when the other can take the weeks that were not used.
Can my employer refuse parent's leave?
Only if you are not entitled to it. Your employer can postpone it once, for up to 12 weeks, for business reasons, with written notice at least 4 weeks before it was due to start.
Do twins give more parent's leave?
No. The leave and Parent's Benefit are the same for a single or multiple birth: 9 weeks per parent.
Sources
- Citizens Information — Parent's leave (Parent's Leave and Benefit Act 2019) checked October 13, 2026
- Citizens Information — Parent's Benefit (rate 2026, Budget 2027) checked October 13, 2026
- Citizens Information — Maternity leave (other leave for parents) checked October 13, 2026
Mamavela explains; it does not replace your midwife, doctor or pediatrician, who know your situation. If something worries you, call them. In an emergency, call 911 (US), 999 (UK) or 112.