Parents can apply for extended Parent’s Leave from today. 

Previously, the social welfare benefit was paid for seven weeks at a rate of €274 per week - now it has been extended to nine weeks. 

HR expert Caroline Reidy described it as a major support for many families.

“Some good news for all the listeners this morning,” she said. 

“From August 1st, Parent’s Leave has increased from seven weeks to nine weeks. 

“So, anybody who has a new child born or adopted after July 1st 2022 will get two additional Parent’s Leave to take before the child is two.” 

👶🏼This week we are extending Parent’s Benefit from seven to nine weeks.

This is another way Fine Gael is ensuring the best start for every child in Ireland.

For more: https://t.co/FY9XnbqQrZ pic.twitter.com/LeaXo1zZRu

— Fine Gael (@FineGael) July 28, 2024

Parent’s Leave is different to Parental Leave; the former is taken during the child’s first two years, the latter during its first six months. 

“There’s two options in terms of how you apply for your Parent’s Leave,” she said. 

“If you are a self-employed person, you go straight to the Department of Social Protection, you apply six weeks in advance.

“If you are an employee, you go to your employer, again giving six weeks’ notice and then you get Parent’s Leave once you have enough PRSI benefits.” 

The new rules aim to improve parents' mental health and work-life balance.

Main image: Father and child. Picture by: Alamy.com