Employees can contact Ireland’s Paternity Benefit Section at (01) 471 5898 or 0818 690690 to resolve queries or request an application.
As an employer, assisting your employees in accessing Paternity Benefit ensures they receive vital support during a significant life event, such as the birth of their child.
Let’s explore the department’s contact details and how you can help your employees navigate their entitlements efficiently.
How Can Employees Contact Ireland’s Paternity Benefit Section?
Employees can reach out to the Paternity Benefit Section of Ireland’s Department of Social Protection (DSP) at the following address or phone numbers:
Paternity Benefit Section
Department of Social Protection
McCarter’s Road
Buncrana
Donegal
F93 CH79
Contact numbers: (01) 471 5898, 0818 690690
Email: paternityben@welfare.ie
Website: https://www.gov.ie/en/service/apply-for-paternity-benefit/
All employees must apply for Paternity Benefit at least four weeks before their paternity leave begins (12 weeks for self-employed individuals or business owners). Employees risk losing their benefit if they fail to apply within 26 weeks of their child’s birth or adoption placement.
What Should Employers Know About Paternity Benefit?
As per the Paternity Leave and Benefit Act 2016, Paternity Benefit is a social welfare payment for employees or self-employed individuals who:
- Are the birth father, parent of a donor-conceived child, civil partner or cohabitant of the mother of the child, or the relevant parent in the case of adoptions
- Take paternity leave (not adoptive leave)
- Have enough social insurance or PRSI contributions (Class A, E, H, and S)
Need more information on Paternity Benefit to guide your employees?
- Read our in-depth guide on Paternity Benefit to understand employee eligibility and entitlements in Ireland.
- Understand how your employees can Apply for Paternity Benefit online and the documents they’ll need to file their claim.
How Can Employers Support Employees With Their Paternity Benefit Claims?
Here’s how you can assist your employees if they want to apply for paternity benefit:
- Eligibility Guidance: Educate your employees about PRSI contribution requirements and eligibility criteria through internal newsletters, email updates, or team meetings.
- Application Support: Provide step-by-step guides or host informational sessions to help employees apply for Paternity Benefit online at MyWelfare.ie. Ensure they have a MyGovID account, Public Services Card, and Personal Public Service (PPS) number.
- Forms Assistance: To simplify the application process for your employees, share links to the required Paternity Benefit forms (PB1 and PB2 or PB3) through your company’s internal portal or HR communication channels.
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