ZUS reported that in 2025, men constituted 33.4%. all people receiving maternity benefits. Although this number is similar to 2024, when it was 33.8%, significant changes are visible in the structure of using particular types of leave. The largest increase was recorded in the case of parental leave, where the share of fathers increased from 12.3%. in 2024 to 16.7 percent in 2025, despite the decline in the birth rate.
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Paternity leave – the exclusive right of fathers
Paternity leave is an independent right available only to fathers, including adoptive fathers. It cannot be transferred to the child's mother or any other person. It can last a maximum of two weeks and must be used before the child is 12 months old. In the case of adoption, this deadline is 12 months from the court's decision becoming final, but no longer than until the child turns 14. The leave can be used at once or divided into two equal parts.
Maternity benefit for the period of paternity leave is 100%. basis for calculating the benefit. An application for granting it should be submitted to the employer at least 7 days before the planned start of the leave. If this deadline is violated, the employer has the right to refuse to grant it.
New parental leave rules
From April 26, 2023, as a result of the amendment to the Labor Code, significant changes were introduced in the field of parental leave. The total duration has been extended to 41 weeks in the case of the birth or adoption of one child, and to 43 weeks in the case of two or more children. Parents of children with a “pro-life” certificate can take advantage of even longer leave – up to 65 or 67 weeks, respectively.
One of the key changes is the introduction of a 9-week non-transferable part of parental leave for each parent. This means that both the mother and the father have the exclusive right to that part of the leave that cannot be transferred to the other parent. If it is not used, the entitlement is lost. Parents can divide the remaining 23 or 25 weeks of leave between themselves at their discretion.
Maternity benefit for the period of 9 weeks of parental leave is 70%. basis for calculating the benefit. The exception is when the child's mother submits an application for payment of maternity benefit for the entire period of maternity and full-time parental leave within 21 days of giving birth. Then the amount of the benefit is 81.5%. dimension basis.
Formalities related to parental leave
An application for parental leave must be submitted no later than 21 days before it begins. The regulations also provide for the possibility of interrupting the leave in order to return to work. In such a case, it is necessary to submit a written request at least 21 days before the planned return. The employer must agree to early termination of the leave.
Parental leave can be taken as a single payment or in a maximum of five parts. The last part may be due by the end of the calendar year in which the child turns six. In the case of adopted children, these rules are slightly different, and detailed information can be found on the ZUS website.
The work-life balance directive in practice
The changes introduced in 2023 are the result of the implementation of the EU work-life balance directive, which aims to increase fathers' participation in child care and promote work-life balance. As ZUS emphasizes, the 9-week non-transferable part of parental leave is one of the key tools to achieve this goal.
