How to Apply for Paternity Benefit in Ireland (Guidelines & FAQs)

In Ireland, Paternity Benefit is a payment made to employed or self-employed people taking paternity leave. 

To apply for Paternity Benefit, complete an online application at the government website or fill out a physical form and send it via post to the concerned department.  

We’ll discuss the application process in detail and also cover when you should apply for Paternity Benefit.  

How to Apply for Irish Paternity Benefit 

There are two ways to make your Paternity Benefit application:

A. Online Applications 

Complete an online application for Paternity Benefit at mywelfare.ie, provided you have a verified MyGovID account and a Public Services Card (linked to your mobile number).

On the website, answer a few questions through an online form (PB1 application form) and then upload the supporting documents (PB2 or PB3 form). 

• If you are employed and taking paternity leave, the PB2 (employer certificate for Paternity Benefit) form must be completed and certified by your employer in writing. 

• If you are self-employed, your doctor must complete the PB3 (medical certificate for Paternity Benefit) form to certify your child’s date of birth.  

B. Postal Applications

You can apply for Paternity Benefit via post by requesting and filling out a PB1 application form and the required supporting documents (PB2 or PB3). 

You can send the filled application to the Paternity Benefit section of the Department of Social Protection at the address below. You’ll also have to request application forms from the same address.

Paternity Benefit Section

Department of Social Protection, 

McCarter's Road, 

Buncrana,

Donegal,

Ireland 

F93 CH79

Learn more about the Paternity Benefit Forms (PB1, PB2, PB3). 

When to Apply for Paternity Benefit

According to the Paternity Leave and Benefit Act of 2016 regulations, you must apply four weeks before the due date for your two weeks of paternity leave from your employment. 

You must provide your employer with proof of the expected leave date to receive paternity leave. 

Self-employed people have to apply at least 12 weeks before starting their period of paternity leave. 

These application windows are created so you can receive your Paternity Benefit payment as soon as you stop working due to the birth of the child. 

You may send a letter to the DSP and ask for a postponement of your entire Paternity Benefit for a maximum of 6 months if: 

• Your baby is hospitalised.

• You fall ill before the start of paternity leave.

• The date of adoption or date of placement has changed. 

Who Can Apply for Paternity Benefit?

Paternity Benefit is a social welfare payment paid to the relevant parent (regardless of gender) who:

• Is employed or self-employed (a form of insurable employment). 

• Has a spouse/civil partner due to give birth or has recently given birth. Alternatively, they could be adopting a child or have a spouse/civil partner who is adopting a child.

• Has enough consecutive weeks of PRSI (Pay Related Social Insurance) contributions. 

Who is a relevant parent?

The relevant parent is the father of the child, the spouse/civil partner of the mother, or a parent of a donor-conceived child. 

In the case of adoption, the spouse of the adoptive mother, the sole male adoptive parent, or the chosen parent in same-sex adoptive couples will be considered the relevant parent.

If it’s an intercountry adoption that took place outside the State, you must produce a declaration of eligibility and suitability in relation to the child on the day of placement or the expected day of placement.

If you don’t meet the required PRSI conditions and you were in insurable employment before becoming self-employed, you can use your PRSI contributions (Class A, E and H) in that employment to qualify for Paternity Benefit.

5 FAQs on Paternity Benefit Applications 

Below are the answers to some common questions about applying for Paternity Benefit: 

1. How Much Paternity Benefit Do You Get if Your Application Is Approved?

The standard payment for Paternity Benefit is a weekly rate of €274 from January 2024. This rate will increase if you have dependants and meet additional requirements. 

The payment of Paternity Benefit is usually paid straight into either your bank account or building society account. Employees can also opt to have it paid directly to their employer.  

Check out our detailed guide on Paternity Benefit Payments.  

2. Is Paternity Benefit Taxable?

Paternity Benefit is subject to income tax, but no PRSI contributions and Universal Social Charge are due.  

Revenue won't deduct the amount payable from the Paternity Benefit you receive. Instead, they will deduct from your tax credits and rate band according to the tax you owe. 

3. What Other Benefits Can I Apply for as a Father?

Some of the other benefits a person can apply for as the father of the child, alongside Paternity Benefit, include:

• Working Family Benefit 

• Back to Work Family Dividend 

The provision of these entitlements may exclude you from receiving a dependant increase on your Paternity Benefit. 

You may only be entitled to half-rate Paternity Benefit if you are on these social welfare payments: 

• Widower's and Surviving Civil Partner's (Contributory) Pension

• Widower's and Surviving Civil Partner's (Non-Contributory) Pension

• One-Parent Family Payment

• Death Benefit by way of Widow's/Widower's/Surviving Civil Partner's or Dependent Parents' Pension (under the Occupational Injuries Scheme)

4. What Will You Be Asked When Applying for Paternity Benefit?

When filling out the application forms for Paternity Benefit, you may be asked:

• Personal questions: Questions about you, where you live, dependants and children, bank account details, and civil status.

• Employment Questions: Questions about your employment, if you are unemployed, annual leave during a 12-month period, and your planned parental leave from work.

• Spouse/Partner/Cohabitant Questions: Questions about the expectant mother of the child/your spouse/partner/cohabitant, their employment status, and the expectant child. 

5. Is One Entitled to Paternity Benefit Following a Stillbirth or Miscarriage?

Yes, you need to send a letter from your doctor along with the Paternity Benefit application form, clearly mentioning the expected date of birth, the actual date of birth, and the number of weeks of pregnancy.

Take Control of Your Employee Benefits with Kota 

Paternity Benefit supports employees who require leave for a continuous period to look after their newborn children. 

But employees also require robust private health insurance to consult doctors, receive check-ups, and care for their children at home and the hospital. 

That’s why companies need Kota. 

Kota helps employers stay on top of all employee benefits by providing valuable benefit management packages. You can set up health insurance and pension plans based on your budget, while employees can pick the benefits they need. 

So why not join Kota to give your employees complete control over their benefits?