Paternity leave: what should future parents know and prepare for? 

SEPTEMBER 16, 2024
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Waiting for a baby to be born is a new, special stage in a family's life, full of wonderful moments, but also challenges. Many things may not come to mind right away. Have you ever wondered what rights future fathers have in the context of paternity leave? What is it it is actually this fatherly one? How many days is entitled to Paternity leave and until when can it be used?? THEis such a holiday paid i who pays for it? If you are expecting a baby, it is worth knowing what rules are associated not only with maternity leave, but also with paternity leave, during this exceptional period.

In this article you will find all the key information regarding the rules and formalities related to paternity leave. You will find out how much such leave is paid and who pays for it, what documents are needed for ZUS. What does the application process look like and what is worth paying attention to in order to fully use this right? This is a great opportunity to better understand this topic and enjoy these first, unforgettable moments with your newborn with complete freedom.

Paternity leave: what is it?

On the Internet you can find questions like: what is this? fatherly? So let's start with a quick explanation.

Paternity leave, regulated in Article 182³ of the Labor Code (Journal of Laws 2023.1465), is an entitlement available to every working father of a child. It allows for 14 days off from work to care for a newborn or adopted child. These rules also apply to insured persons who are not employees.

It is important to understand that the right to paternity leave applies regardless of whether the mother of the child takes maternity leave. This the individual right of each father, which can be used at a convenient time during the first year of the child's life. Its main purpose is to care for the mother after delivery and the newborn.

The so-called fatherly it's a unique opportunity for fathers active participated in the first weeks of the child's life, which supports building relationships and relieves the burden on the partner in this demanding time.

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Jagna Szulc-Kamińska

Midwife, Expert in issuing opinions on utility products at the Institute of Mother and Child

How many days of paternity leave are you entitled to and when can it be used?

When answering the question what paternity leave is, we have already mentioned how many days of paternity leave are available in Poland.

It is worth emphasizing, however, that according to the current legal status, it is up to 2 weeks, including weekends and holidays. It is 14 calendar days that a father can spend with his child.

What is important, the child's father has the option to divide this leave into: two parts, but each of them must last minimum week. This provides flexibility, allowing leave to be tailored to the needs of both parents.

Paternity leave: until when can it be taken?

The important term is the moment the child reaches 12 months of age. This is the final time until which paternity leave can be used.

After this date, the right to leave expires, so it is worth remembering to plan its use at the right time and submit the application well in advance.

How much is paternity leave paid and who pays for it?

Are you wondering how much is paid for paternity leave? According to the wording of the provisions Act of 25 June 1999 on cash benefits from social insurance in the event of sickness and maternity he is fully paid.

This means that the father is entitled to maternity benefits for these 14 days. 100% of his previous salary. Paternity leave not only provides the opportunity to be close to your child, but also provides full financial security for the duration of the leave.

Who pays for paternity leave? 

The employee is entitled to paternity leave under health insurance. So who pays for paternity leave?

Paternity leave is financed by ZUS from monthly health and sickness insurance contributions paid by the employee.

Depending on the size of the company you are employed by, paycheck Such benefits are provided by either the employer or ZUS:

  • in companies employing fewer than 20 employees, the benefit is paid directly by ZUS;
  • In larger companies, this obligation rests with the employer.

In both cases, the child's father does not have to worry about who pays for paternity leave, because he receives remuneration in full. We would also like to remind you how much paternity leave is paid – it is 100% of the salary.

Rules and formalities related to paternity leave

What are the rules for granting paternity leave? To take paternity leave, you must submit an application at least 7 days (and preferably even earlier) before the planned start date. The request should be submitted in writing to the employer, stating the dates on which you plan to use the leave.

It is worth remembering that, as a rule, the employer is is obliged to take into account the employee's request, provided that it meets all formal requirements and the application was submitted in due time.

About what rules still need to remember? 

Paternity leave cannot be transferred to another period. If it is not taken by the designated date, it is lost.

You have until your child is 12 months old to apply and take the leave. After that time, the right to leave expires, unless the child has been adopted. In that case, the deadline expires after 12 months from the date the decision on the child's adoption becomes final, and such leave can be applied for no longer than until the child is 14 years old.

It is therefore worth planning carefully, Until when can you use paternity leave?, so as not to miss this opportunity to spend time with your child. Rules are simple, but it is crucial to comply with deadlines and formalities in order to fully benefit from your rights.

What documents to ZUS need to be submitted to take paternity leave?

To take paternity leave, you must submit an appropriate application to your employer. You must attach a shortened copy of the child's birth certificate and a certificate of salary from your employer if ZUS is responsible for paying the benefit.

If the employer is responsible for paying the salary (in companies employing more than 20 employees), you do not have to contact ZUS directly, and the documents are only submitted to the company.

In the case of insured persons who are not employees, the documents are submitted directly to ZUS. In addition to the application for paternity leave and a shortened copy of the child's birth certificate, a certificate of payment of health insurance contributions must be attached.

It is worth checking carefully what documents are required for ZUS in order to avoid unnecessary delays and to be able to take full advantage of the paternity leave you are entitled to.

Why is it worth taking paternity leave?

Paternity leave is a unique opportunity to actively participate in the first moments of your child's life. It's not only a time for joint care, but also for building a bond that will last a lifetime.

Paternity leave gives fathers the opportunity to be close to their little one, support their partner during the more difficult period after giving birth and experience magical moments that will never be repeated.


Źródła:

https://isap.sejm.gov.pl/isap.nsf/download.xsp/WDU19740240141/U/D19740141Lj.pdf [dostęp:01.10.2024]
https://www.zus.pl/-/mama-i-tata-na-urlopie-rodzicielskim.-zus-i-fundacja-share-the-care-%C5%82%C4%85cz%C4%85-si%C5%82y-aby-budowa%C4%87-%C5%9Bwiadomo%C5%9B%C4%87-prawn%C4%85-rodzic%C3%B3w?p_l_back_url=%2Fwyniki-wyszukiwania%3Fquery%3Durlop%2Bojcowski%26dateFrom%3D%26dateTo%3D [dostęp:01.10.2024]

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