English

It is the date of birth or the date on which care of the child was assumed that determines whether the new law applies to you.

The new law of 1 July 2010 on the paternal quota

The new law means that there is no requirement that the mother must have worked at least 50 percent prior to the birth or adoption in order for the father to be entitled to the paternal quota. However, it is a requirement that the mother must be entitled to parental benefits. In other words, she must have worked for at least six of the ten months prior to birth or adoption, and have earned an annual income equivalent to at least half of the national insurance basic amount . The new law applies where the birth or date on which the care of the child was assumed was on 1 July 2010 or later.

The new law of 1 July 2009 on an expanded benefit period

The new law means that the total benefit period on birth was expanded by two weeks to 46 weeks at a 100 percent benefit rate, and to 56 weeks at an 80 percent benefit rate. The benefit period on adoption was also expanded by two weeks, to 43 and 53 weeks, respectively. The paternal quota was expanded by four weeks to 10 weeks.

The expansion of the benefit period applies when the birth or date from which the care of the child was assumed is 1 July 2009 or later.

See which rules apply to you:

• Date of birth or date of adoption 1 July 2011 or later
• Date of birth or date of adoption  1 July 2010 to 30 June 2011
• Date of birth or date of adoption  1 July 2009 to 30 June 2010
• Date of birth or date of adoption  30 June 2009 or earlier