Maternity leave and Maternity Benefit in Ireland

Maternity leave

Maternity leave is 26 weeks, and you get it whatever your length of service and whether you work full-time, part-time or on a casual basis. You can take up to 16 more weeks of additional maternity leave straight afterwards. Your employer does not have to pay you for that additional period.

• You must start your leave at least 2 weeks before the end of the week your baby is due.
• You must take at least 4 weeks of leave after the birth.
• If your baby arrives more than 4 weeks early, tell your employer in writing within 14 days of the birth.

Telling your employer

• Give at least 4 weeks' written notice of your intended leave, with a medical certificate confirming your pregnancy.
• Notice for the additional 16 weeks is also 4 weeks in writing. You can give both notices at the same time.

Maternity Benefit

Maternity Benefit is paid by the Department of Social Protection for the 26 weeks of basic leave. It does not cover the additional 16 weeks. The standard weekly rate in 2026 is €299, and it is due to rise by €10 in January 2027. Some people get a higher amount based on Illness Benefit rates for dependants. It is paid for 156 days (Sundays are not counted).

PRSI conditions for Maternity Benefit

If you are employed, you need one of the following:

• 39 weeks of PRSI paid in the 12 months before the first day of your maternity leave, or
• 39 weeks of PRSI paid since you started work, plus 39 weeks paid or credited in the relevant tax year or the one after it, or
• 26 weeks of PRSI paid in the relevant tax year, plus 26 weeks in the tax year before.

If you are self-employed

You need 52 weeks of Class S PRSI paid in the relevant tax year, the year before it or the year after it. Your tax and PRSI liabilities for the relevant year must be paid first. Apply at least 12 weeks before your leave begins.

When to apply

Employees should apply for Maternity Benefit at least 6 weeks before maternity leave starts.

Parent's Leave and Paternity Leave

• Parent's Leave: each parent can take 9 weeks for a child born or adopted after 1 August 2024. It must be taken within the child's first 2 years. Parent's Benefit is €299 a week if you have enough PRSI contributions, and you must give your employer at least 6 weeks' written notice.
• Paternity Leave: 2 weeks for the other parent, taken within 26 weeks of the birth. Give at least 4 weeks' written notice. Paternity Benefit is available with enough PRSI contributions, so check the current rate on gov.ie.