Updated for 2026 DSP rates.
Maternity Benefit
Maternity Benefit is a contributory weekly payment for employed and self-employed women who are on maternity leave from work.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Weekly rate (2026) | €232.00 (or 80% of your average weekly earnings, whichever is lower) |
| Duration | 26 weeks (182 days) |
| Start date | Usually 2 weeks before the expected week of birth |
| PRSI requirement | At least 39 weeks PRSI paid in the 12 months before your leave |
Paternity Benefit
Paternity Benefit is a contributory weekly payment for employed and self-employed fathers or partners taking paternity leave.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Weekly rate (2026) | €232.00 (or 80% of average weekly earnings, whichever is lower) |
| Duration | 2 weeks |
| When to take | Any time in the first 26 weeks after the birth/adoption |
| PRSI requirement | At least 39 weeks PRSI paid in the 12 months before your leave |
Parental Benefit
Parental Benefit is a contributory weekly payment for parents taking Parental Leave (formerly known as Parent's Leave) to spend time with their child in the first 2 years of life (or within 2 years of adoption).
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Weekly rate (2026) | €232.00 (or 80% of average weekly earnings, whichever is lower) |
| Duration | 9 weeks per parent |
| When to take | Within the first 2 years of the child's birth or adoption |
| PRSI requirement | At least 39 weeks PRSI paid in the 12 months before your leave |
How to Claim
Apply online at MyWelfare.ie. You should claim at least 6 weeks before your intended leave start date. You will need:
- Your PPS number and your employer's details
- Your child's PPS number and birth certificate (for Maternity/Paternity)
- Your expected date of birth (for Maternity Benefit)
- Your intended leave dates
Important Notes
- All three benefits are taxable — Revenue will deduct tax where applicable
- You must be on statutory leave from your employment to claim — you cannot work while receiving these payments
- Self-employed people qualify if they have enough Class S PRSI contributions
- Adoptive parents can claim Adoptive Benefit — 24 weeks at €232.00 per week