PARENT’S Benefit and Parent’s Leave are new statutory entitlements available to mums and dads in the first two years after their child’s birth or adoption.
This new benefit is available for children born or adopted after November 1 2019.
Here is everything you need to know about the benefit and how to apply.
WHO IS ENTITLED TO PARENT’S BENEFIT?
To receive the Parent’s Benefit, you must be on parent’s leave.
Every parent is entitled to Parent’s Benefit during parent’s leave.
As a parent, you can take five consecutive weeks or five separate weeks of leave.
However, it’s possible to qualify for parent’s leave and not qualify for the benefit. For example, if you don’t meet the PRSI contribution conditions.
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If your child dies within the first year of birth or adoption, you are still entitled to take your parent’s leave and Parent’s Benefit.
HOW MUCH DO I RECEIVE FROM THE BENEFIT?
Parent’s Benefit is paid at a standard weekly rate. This rate currently stands at €245.
Parent’s Benefit is paid directly into your bank or building society account or you can choose to have it paid directly into your employer’s bank account.
If your employer pays you in full while you are on parent’s leave, they may require Parent’s Benefit to be paid directly into their bank account.
Parent’s Benefit is taxable, however Universal Social Charge and PRSI are not payable.
You can read about how Parent’s Benefit is taxed in the document Taxation of social welfare payments.
HOW DOES IT WORK IF YOU HAVE MORE THAN ONE CHILD?
Parent’s Benefit is only paid once for both single and multiple births. For example, if you have twins or adopt two children at the same time, you get one payment.
If you are already getting a social welfare payment, then you may get half-rate Parent’s Benefit.
WHAT ARE THE OTHER RULES FOR THE BENEFIT?
Parent’s Benefit is paid in the first two years of the child’s birth or adoption.
People seeking the benefit must notify their employer that they intend to take parent’s leave along with the intended dates, no later than six weeks before your leave.
Parents then apply for Parent’s Benefit at least four weeks before the date their parent’s leave begins.
For anyone who is self-employed, they should apply for Parent’s Benefit six weeks before you intend to take parent’s leave.
HOW DO I APPLY?
You apply for Parent’s Benefit online at MyWelfare.ie and complete the questions asked in the online form
Your child’s PPS number is needed to apply for Parent’s Benefit, along with your employer’s ERN (Employer’s Registration Number) and the name and address of your employer.
You must declare that your parent’s leave dates have been approved by your employer and if you are applying for increases for dependants (spouse or partner and/or children) you need their PPS numbers and information about their income.
You must have a Public Services Card (linked to your mobile phone number) and a verified MyGovID account to apply online.
Find out more about applying online for social welfare payments and services here.