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HSE Adoptive Leave 2026: 24 Weeks Paid + 16 Unpaid (HR108a)

Last verified 23 Jul 2026· Published 23 Jul 2026

Adopting a child comes with a statutory leave entitlement very similar to maternity leave. Here is how adoptive leave works for HSE employees in 2026, and the form that starts it.

The entitlement

  • 24 weeks of adoptive leave, starting from the date the child is placed with you.
  • Adoptive Benefit of €299 per week (rate from January 2026) is paid by the Department of Social Protection for those 24 weeks, and HSE policy tops eligible employees up to full pay — the same model as HSE maternity leave.
  • Up to 16 further weeks of unpaid adoptive leave can be taken immediately after the paid period.
  • Annual leave and public holidays continue to build up during adoptive leave, including the unpaid weeks.

The leave goes to the qualifying adopter — for a couple, one parent takes adoptive leave and the other may qualify for paternity leave; both can later use Parental and Parent’s Leave.

How to apply

Give your manager and HR as much notice as possible, and complete form HR108a from the official HSE HR forms page. Apply separately to the Department of Social Protection for Adoptive Benefit. See our guide to every HSE HR form.

Statutory entitlements per the Adoptive Leave Acts and the 2026 Adoptive Benefit rate; confirm your top-up eligibility and notice requirements with local HR.

Frequently asked questions

How long is adoptive leave in Ireland?
24 weeks from the date of placement, with Adoptive Benefit of €299 a week (2026 rate) — plus up to 16 additional weeks of unpaid adoptive leave straight after. HSE policy tops eligible staff up to full pay during the paid period.
What form do I use for HSE adoptive leave?
Form HR108a, from the official HSE HR forms page, submitted through your line manager to HR. Adoptive Benefit is claimed separately from the Department of Social Protection.
Do I keep building annual leave during adoptive leave?
Yes — annual leave and public holidays continue to accrue during adoptive leave, including the additional unpaid weeks.

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