Minister Dara Calleary has confirmed the government is exploring options to increase Parent’s Benefit using a pay-related model similar to Jobseeker’s Benefit
Dara Calleary(Image: Collins)
Minister for Social Protection Dara Calleary has revealed that the government is examining the prospect of rolling out pay-related increases to additional social welfare schemes.
The Pay-Related Jobseeker’s Benefit was launched last year, allowing eligible claimants to pocket up to twice the standard payment rate, based on their employment record and PRSI contributions. The government is now weighing up whether to extend this approach to other benefits, notably Parent’s Benefit.
“The Programme for Government commits to introducing Pay-Related Parent’s Benefit and exploring other payments where a similar model could be applied,” Minister Calleary told the Dáil. “My Department will draw on the operational experience and learnings from the first year implementation of Jobseeker’s Pay-Related Benefit, introduced on 31 March 2025, to inform the examination of a pay-related approach for Parent’s Benefit and other schemes.
“I intend to issue a public consultation document later in the year to support this process and to assist in the development of any future proposals.” Parent’s Benefit and parent’s leave are available to parents during the first two years following their child’s birth or adoption. Both parents can access the payment – currently set at the standard weekly rate of €299 for nine weeks.
Parent’s Benefit is provided whilst you’re on parent’s leave from employment, provided you have sufficient social insurance (PRSI) contributions. You need to be on parent’s leave to receive Parent’s Benefit, reports RSVP Live.
That said, you can qualify for parent’s leave without getting Parent’s Benefit if you haven’t met the PRSI contribution requirements. From 1 August 2024, Parent’s Benefit has been extended from 7 weeks to 9 weeks, if you are the parent of:
A child born or adopted on or after 1 August 2024A child under 2 years of age on 1 August 2024 or an adopted child placed with your family less than 2 years on 1 August 2024 – you must complete the extra parent’s leave on or before your child’s second birthday or within 2 years of the adoption placement
You can take your leave in individual weeks or all in one go. Parent’s Benefit is paid only once for both single and multiple births. For instance, if you have twins or adopt 2 children simultaneously, you receive one payment.
If you are already receiving a social welfare payment, then you may receive half-rate Parent’s Benefit.
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