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Did You Know that Parent’s Leave is available to both employees and self-employed people?

I find that sometimes, my clients running their own businesses are unaware or just forget that this leave & benefit is available to them, as well as to their employees. So I’d like to remind all self-employed people out there to consider this if you have young children.

Babies and young children are a joy but as a parent/caregiver, juggling work commitments while also caring for the little ones, can be extremely stressful.

This is why I welcomed the news today that the rules have just been changed to give 2 additional weeks leave and benefit to those parents/caregivers.

As a parent myself, I welcome the Government’s approach to support more family-friendly policies.

Especially those which provide more flexibility and financial help to working parents.

And which promote gender equality in parenting.

I only wish more of this assistance had been around when my kids were small!

What is Parent’s Leave?

Parent’s Leave is a social welfare entitlement, whereby a parent of a child under 2, can claim from the Department of Social Protection for leave from their workplace, and also financial support in the form of Parent’s Benefit.

A contribution of €274 per week (current rate of Parent’s Benefit) may not cover all of the household bills while you take a much needed break from your business, but it may just help to make things more financially manageable.

Allowing you to have more time and space to enjoy those first few gorgeous months with your new child.

Or help other siblings to ‘come to terms’ with having a new brother/sister around.  

Or even just to catch up on your sleep! Yes, I’ve been there, and it’s torture!

What are the recent changes?

From 1st August 2024:

• Parent’s leave increased from 7 weeks to 9 weeks for children born or adopted after 1 August 2024
• You can claim the additional 2 weeks’ parent’s leave if your child was under the age of 2 on 1 August 2024 or your adopted child had been placed with your family less than 2 years on 1 August 2024
• You must complete the extra leave on or before your child’s second birthday or within 2 years of the adoption placement
• Parent’s Benefit also increased from 7 weeks to 9 weeks for each parent (if you qualify) – qualification is based on whether you have sufficient PRSI contributions

How Do I Apply?

Applications for benefit should be made directly to the Department of Social Protection at least 6 weeks before the leave is intended to be taken/benefit claimed.

If you’d like to read more information on this topic, have a look at this article or the Citizens Information.