Father’s Day, an important celebration, takes place today (Sunday). This yearly celebration is the perfect time to show our appreciation for the fathers and father figures in our lives.

The importance of this day is also a great opportunity to highlight some of the information, advice and support Citizens Information can provide to fathers and their families.

Some of the most common queries they are receiving from fathers and their families right now are;

Paternity Benefit and COVID-19: Paternity Benefit is a payment for employed and self-employed people who are on paternity leave from work and covered by social insurance (PRSI). It is paid for two weeks and can be taken any time within the first six months following the birth or adoption of a child.

For new fathers who have been receiving or currently are receiving the COVID-19 Pandemic:
Unemployment Payment (CPUP) or the COVID-19 Employment Wage Subsidy Scheme (EWSS), it will be treated as if you are continuing to make insurance contributions at your normal social insurance class. This means that, if you are getting PUP or EWSS, you will qualify for Paternity Benefit if you have enough social insurance contributions. If you are due to go on paternity leave and you are getting PUP, you should apply for Paternity Benefit (if you have the required social insurance contributions) and then close your PUP claim.

Many enquire about other leave options for parents which may be available from their employment such as Paternity Leave, Parental Leave, Parents Leave and Adoptive Leave. Each of these types of leave may also carry a possible social welfare entitlement by way of a paid benefit if certain PRSI requirements are met.

There are several other schemes and benefits worth considering such as the Homemaker’s Scheme, the Home Carer Tax Credit, the Single Person Child Carer Tax Credit, Supports for Carers, One Parent Family Payment, Working Family Payment, Back to Education Grant, Starting your own Business and much more.

“Our goal for Father’s Day is to let every father and family know that we are here to advise and support them," Frances Clifford, Kerry Citizens Information Manager, said.

"Even though due to COVID-19 our drop in services are not currently available, the offices are still staffed and we are busy assisting callers and giving them the tools to make informed decisions and help them to explore options and solutions to any issues they may have. So, regardless of your query, call your local centre and we will guide you in the right direction.”

For anyone needing information, advice or who have an advocacy issue, they can call a member of the local Citizens Information team in Kerry on 0761 07 7860, they will be happy to assist and make an appointment if necessary. The offices are staffed from Monday to Friday from 10am to 4pm. Alternatively, you can email at tralee@citinfo.ie or log on to www.citizensinformation.ie for further information and contact details.