Going back to work.

Hi. I'm supposed to go back in February but I feel the same. I'm trying to get parent's leave for another weeks after maternity and all the vacation days I've accrued. Still waiting to hear from my job if they'll give me a top up for parent's benefit. I'm trying to delay the moment I leave baby as much as possible. Might be worth looking into it even it's maximum 5 weeks. Good luck

It’s normal . I never want to go back but I work for myself . I’m totally broke now as I don’t get paid leave but I think I’m going to try and do a year . Can’t face leaving my baby !

I feel the very same. My girl is 16 weeks old and I'm due back early February. Between the feeling of anxiety of leaving her and trying to get good care, it's very stressful. Still waiting to hear about my 5 weeks paternity benefit. It might be worth applying for you.

What is the paternity benefit ? And who is it for ?

What is paternity benefit? Is it for the mammys or daddy? Do you get paid ?

Your entitled to 5 weeks extra paid leave from work provided you've paid your prsi in the last 2 years (I think not sure of how long) you can apply on your mygov account. It has to be taken in the first 2 years of your child's life. It's for both parents. You've just to check with your employer. Hope this helps 😊

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That's the parent's leave and benefit

https://www.citizensinformation.ie/en/employment/employment_rights_and_conditions/leave_and_holidays/parents_leave.html

Thanks for your help girls, I’ll apply now. Do you have to ask your employer for certain days off? And can it be taken 5 weeks continusly or has to be separate dates.

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Also the baby's father can apply as well, he has his own 5 weeks. If he has the contributions he can get the same payment. Forgot to mention in case you're wondering

You have to ask your employer first and they have the right to delay it by max 12 weeks I think. It can be separate weeks but no less than 1 week at a time or the full 5 weeks up to the employer and you. And you have to apply at least 6 weeks before the date you plan to begin the leave. My advice is to talk to your job first and see what they say.

My employer wants 4 weeks notice and I can take all 5 weeks together before going back to work. It might be different in each job.

Do you get paid on paternity leave ?

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It depends on your prsi contributions. The rate is the same 245/week as maternity benefit. Your employer can choose to top up but it's not mandatory.

Thanks girls this has been very helpful. I feel a bit better now. Just so stressful going back to work and trying to sort out childcare and most people don’t have baby’s will their at least 1.