If you satisfy certain PRSI contribution conditions you will be paid adoptive benefit directly from the Department of Social Protection.

You should apply for Adoptive Benefit 6 weeks before you intend to go on adoptive leave.

To apply fill in Form AB1 and return the form together with all relevant certificates to the Department of Social Protection. This form is also available from the Department of Social Protection Local office. Forms can be downloaded from www.welfare.ie 

Adoptive Benefit is paid for a continuous period of 24 weeks from the date of placement of your child.

If you are an EU citizen, you can continue to receive Adoptive Benefit for any period of your adoptive leave spent in another EU country or for any period of up to six weeks spent in a country outside the EU.

If you are not an EU citizen you can be paid Adoptive Benefit for any period of your Adoptive leave spent in the Republic of Ireland.  You can continue to receive Adoptive Benefit for any period of up to six weeks of your adoptive leave spent in a country outside of the Republic of Ireland (EU and Non-EU).  If you exceed this period Adoptive Benefit will cease until such time as you return to the Republic of Ireland.