As the first anniversary of the introduction of Paternity Benefit approaches, Clare Fine Gael TD Joe Carey is encouraging new or expectant fathers to apply for the two weeks payment.
Employed and self-employed fathers with the correct PRSI contributions are entitled to receive Paternity Benefit which is available from the Department of Social Protection to parents of children born or placed in adoption.
Currently, it is payable at a minimum rate of €235 per week for two weeks for employees and self-employed people who are on Paternity Leave from work. It is available for up to 26 weeks after the child’s birth or adoption placement, and it is also available to same sex couples.
Deputy Carey, who is a member of the Oireachtas Social Protection Committee, said: “The purpose of Paternity Benefit is to support new fathers to take time off work within the first 26 weeks following the birth of their child.
“New parents can choose to apply online for Paternity Benefit if they have a Public Services Card. Applications made online benefit from an automated decision process, where all conditions are fulfilled the person concerned will receive an award notification within seconds. Alternatively, anyone experiencing difficulty with making an online claim can contact my Department by e-mail and will receive a paper form,” he explained.
Full details are available at www.welfare.ie/paternitybenefit
