Parents' Leave: Who Qualifies and What You Get
Learn how parents in Ireland can access nine weeks of paid leave for children under two years old.
Parents' Leave is a government scheme designed to provide paid time off for parents to spend time with their young children.
Who it's for
This scheme is specifically intended for parents who are caring for a child under the age of two. If your child has already reached their second birthday, you will no longer qualify for this specific leave entitlement.
What you get
The benefit provides nine weeks of paid leave for each parent. This means both parents can access their own separate entitlement to ensure the child receives care from both individuals during those first two years of life.
What it costs you
While there is no direct fee to apply, there are requirements you must meet to be eligible. You must have made the necessary social insurance contributions (PRSI) to qualify for the payments. Additionally, you must coordinate with your workplace, as you will need to obtain approval from your employer to take the leave.
The catch to know
The most important thing to remember is the strict timeframe for using this benefit. You must take these nine weeks of leave within the first two years of your child's life. If you do not use the leave before the child turns two, you cannot claim it later.
How to apply
- Confirm that your child is under two years old.
- Verify that you have made the required social insurance contributions (PRSI) to qualify for paid leave.
- Speak with your employer to secure approval for your requested time off.
- Follow the specific administrative steps required by the Department of Social Protection to process your claim.