How to Apply for Parent’s Leave in Ireland in 2026 (Form HR108T)

If you’re an employer or HR professional in Ireland, you’ve probably seen the acronyms “Parent’s Leave,” “Parental Leave,” and the form “HR108T” floating around and wondered if they’re the same thing. They’re not, and getting them mixed up can cost your business money or leave a team member short-staffed at a critical moment.

Maximum leave duration: 9 weeks per parent per child · Minimum notice period: 6 weeks before leave · Parent’s Benefit weekly rate (2026): €274 (€286 from June 2026) · Eligible children born/adopted after: 3 July 2016

What’s the difference between parents’ leave and parental leave?

The most common HR mistake is treating these two entitlements as the same. They are distinct legal rights with different durations, payment structures, and qualifying periods. Citizens Information clearly separates them.

The gap between these two leaves is a financial and planning minefield. An employee might casually ask for “parental leave” when they actually mean the paid 9-week entitlement, and approving the wrong one could result in an unexpected, unfunded absence. Always confirm the exact statutory scheme in writing before processing any request.

Parent’s Leave is a paid, 9-week statutory entitlement per parent per child, available to employees and self-employed people who satisfy PRSI contributions. — Citizens Information Ireland

Parent’s Leave is a paid, 9-week statutory entitlement per parent per child, available to employees and self-employed people who satisfy PRSI contributions. It must be taken within the first 2 years of the child’s birth or adoption placement.

Parental Leave is an unpaid, 26-week entitlement per child, available to employees who are “parents” (including adoptive parents and someone acting in loco parentis). It must be taken before the child turns 12 (or 16 for a child with a disability).

The Workplace Relations Commission notes that the maximum aggregate Parental Leave is 26 weeks per child, and it’s generally unpaid. In contrast, Parent’s Benefit (for Parent’s Leave) is paid by the Department of Social Protection, not directly by the employer.

Parental Leave is an unpaid, 26-week entitlement per child that employees who are ‘parents’ can take before the child turns 12. — Workplace Relations Commission

How do I apply for parents’ leave?

The application process depends on whether the employee works in the HSE or for another employer, but the core steps are the same across all sectors.

Notify your employer in writing at least 6 weeks before leave start date

The employee must give written notice at least 6 weeks before the leave is due to start. This is a statutory minimum. For employees working in the HSE, the process is formalized through the specific internal form HR108T.

The HSE directs its staff to complete the “Parent’s Leave Application Form HR108T”. This is an official employee application form for Parent’s Leave within the HSE. The form records the mandatory notice and specific leave dates.

For all other employers, the employee must provide written notice at least 6 weeks before the leave start date. The HSE HR108T form serves as a useful template for the kind of information you should require: employee details, child’s date of birth/placement, proposed start and end dates, and signature.

Complete and submit the official parent’s leave application form (e.g., HSE HR 108T)

For HSE employees, the HR108T form must be completed and submitted to their manager. For non-HSE employees, while no single government form exists, requiring a structured written application with similar fields is best practice.

Apply for Parent’s Benefit through mywelfare.ie using your verified MyGovID account

The employee must apply for Parent’s Benefit within 6 months of the leave start date. While this is the employee’s responsibility, HR should prompt them to do so. The benefit is paid by the Department of Social Protection, not the employer, unless the contract specifies otherwise.

1. Employee gives written notice — At least 6 weeks before leave start date, using the appropriate form (HR108T for HSE staff, written notice for others).
2. Employer acknowledges and responds — Within 4 weeks of receiving the notice, the employer must respond in writing.
3. Employer approves or refuses — Refusal is only possible on reasonable grounds with written reasons provided.
4. Employee applies for Parent’s Benefit — Via mywelfare.ie within 6 months of leave start.
5. Employer keeps records — Maintain all correspondence on the employee’s file for at least 3 years.

The HSE confirms Parent’s Leave is 9 weeks for a relevant parent and directs employees to complete the Parent’s Leave Application Form HR108T. — Health Service Executive

A Word on the HSE’s Specific Guidance

If you work in the HSE, the internal rules mirror the national scheme but add an extra layer of HR protocol. The HSE’s HR department provides the following clarifications:

• The HSE confirms Parent’s Leave is 9 weeks for a relevant parent.
• The HSE directs employees to complete the Parent’s Leave Application Form HR108T.
• The HSE provides contact details for leave queries, including phone 1800 444 925 and email ask.hr@hse.ie.
• The HSE states that Parent’s Leave must be taken within 2 years of the child’s birth or adoptive placement.
• The HSE says employees must give their manager at least 6 weeks’ notice before taking Parent’s Leave.

Who is eligible for parental leave in Ireland in 2026?

Employee eligibility criteria

Parent’s Leave is available to employees and self-employed people who satisfy PRSI contributions. A “relevant parent” includes the child’s parent, the spouse/civil partner/cohabitant of the child’s parent, parents of donor-conceived children, and adoptive parents and their spouse/civil partner where applicable. The Workplace Relations Commission notes that an employee generally needs at least 1 year’s continuous service to qualify for Parental Leave (the unpaid 26-week version).

Child age requirements (born/adopted on or after 3 July 2016)

Parent’s Leave must be taken within 104 weeks of the child’s birth or placement for adoption. Citizens Information states that for adopted children, the leave can be taken within 7 years of the placement, but only with the employer’s agreement. Parental Leave must generally be taken before the child turns 12, or 16 where the child has a disability or long-term illness.

Changes to eligibility from 2026

The Parent’s Leave entitlement increased to 9 weeks from 1 August 2024 for eligible relevant parents. Citizens Information confirms each parent is entitled to 9 weeks of Parent’s Leave for a child born or adopted on or after 1 August 2024. The Parent’s Benefit weekly rate increases to €286 from June 2026.

Can my employer refuse parents’ leave?

Valid grounds for refusal

Yes, but only on reasonable grounds. The Workplace Relations Commission states that refusal must be based on genuine business reasons, such as a significant disruption to operations that cannot be accommodated.

Procedural requirements for refusal notice

Employer must give written notice of refusal within 4 weeks of receiving the application. If you miss that deadline, you may lose your right to refuse the leave on those business grounds, even if the disruption is real. Set a calendar reminder the day you receive the notice.

What to do if your employer refuses

Disputes can be referred to the Workplace Relations Commission (WRC). The Workplace Relations Commission is the statutory body that adjudicates on employment rights disputes.

An employer can refuse Parent’s Leave only on reasonable grounds such as business disruption, and must provide written notice of refusal within 4 weeks. — Workplace Relations Commission

How much money do you get for parents’ leave?

Parent’s Benefit weekly rate (2025 vs 2026)

Parent’s Benefit is paid at a fixed weekly rate. In 2025, the rate is €274 per week. From June 2026, the rate increases to €286 per week. The benefit is paid by the Department of Social Protection, not by the employer, unless the contract specifies otherwise.

Duration of payment (9 weeks per parent)

Maximum of 9 weeks benefit per parent per child. The benefit cannot exceed the employee’s weekly earnings.

How to apply for Parent’s Benefit

The employee must apply through mywelfare.ie using a verified MyGovID account. The application must be made within 6 months of the leave start date.

Related reading: Parent’s Leave eligibility and notice requirements · Parental Leave vs Parent’s Leave and service requirements

Frequently Asked Questions