Paternity Benefit is €299 a week for 2 weeks in 2026, rising to €309 from January 2027 under Budget 2027. Leave can start any time in the first 26 weeks after the birth or adoption. Enter your dates to see when your leave ends, the latest start and the total.
This is an estimate for general information, based on the rates and rules described on this page. It is not financial, tax or legal advice and does not take account of your full circumstances. Check your own position with the Department of Social Protection, the relevant scheme or Citizens Information before making a decision. Terms of use.
How Paternity Benefit is worked out
Paternity Benefit is a flat weekly payment for 2 weeks: €299 a week in 2026 and €309 a week from January 2027 (announced). The leave is 2 weeks in a row, and it has to start in the 26 weeks beginning on the day of the birth or adoption placement. We count 14 days from your start date, and pay each week at the rate in force on the day that week starts.
Example. A baby is born on 16 November 2026. Paternity leave can start any day up to 16 May 2027. Starting on 28 December 2026, the leave runs to 10 January 2027. 1 week at €299 and 1 week at €309 come to €608, because the second week starts in January 2027. Apply by 30 November 2026.
Not included: the rate for people with dependants (based on Illness Benefit, if that is higher), half-rate Paternity Benefit with another welfare payment, and postponed leave when a baby is in hospital.
Sources
Rates last checked 10 October 2026. Every figure is listed on rates and sources.
Figures marked as announced come from Budget 2027 and are not law until the Finance Act or Social Welfare Act that brings them in is passed.
€299 a week in 2026, for 2 weeks: €598 in total. Budget 2027 announced an increase to €309 a week from January 2027, which would make 2 weeks worth €618. It is a flat rate and does not depend on your pay.
When can I take paternity leave?
At any time in the 26 weeks beginning on the day your baby is born, or the day an adopted child is placed with you. The 2 weeks are taken together, not as separate days.
Who can get Paternity Benefit?
The father of the child, the spouse, civil partner or cohabitant of the mother, or the parent of a donor-conceived child who is not the mother. In an adoption, it is the parent who is not taking adoptive leave. You need to be on paternity leave from work (or self-employed) and have enough PRSI contributions.
How many PRSI contributions do I need?
For employees, one of: 39 weeks of PRSI paid in the 12 months before your leave starts; or 39 weeks paid since you first started work and 39 weeks paid or credited in the relevant tax year (2 years before the year of the claim) or the year after it; or 26 weeks paid in the relevant tax year and 26 weeks paid in the year before it. Different tests apply if you are self-employed.
When do I apply?
Apply on MyWelfare.ie at least 4 weeks before your leave starts, or 12 weeks before if you are self-employed. You must give your employer at least 4 weeks written notice of your paternity leave.
Is Paternity Benefit taxed?
Paternity Benefit is taxable, but USC and PRSI are not charged on it. Revenue usually collects any tax by adjusting your tax credits at work. Employers do not have to pay you during paternity leave, but some top up your pay under your contract.
What if my baby is in hospital or arrives early?
If your baby is in hospital, you can postpone your paternity leave and Paternity Benefit (or what is left of it) for up to 6 months. If the baby is born before your planned leave, you can change your dates. In both cases, send the Paternity Benefit section a letter from your employer with the new dates.
I have a dependent partner and children. Do I get more?
Possibly. If you have dependants, your Paternity Benefit is compared with the Illness Benefit you would get with increases for your partner and children, and you get the higher amount. With a partner on little or no income, the Illness Benefit rate with increases is often the higher one. This calculator shows the standard rate only.
