Can I take parental leave to be with my child?
Yes: it's a parents' right to care for their children. Parental leave lets working parents take time off to care for their child, in addition to maternity and paternity leave. For employees, the leave is paid up to 9 months in total between the two parents (with individual limits), and can be used until the child is 14 (the 2026 budget law extended the age). Of these months, up to 3 months are paid at 80% of pay, while the rest, as a rule, at 30% (with income conditions for some periods). The leave can be taken continuously or in fractions, even by the hour under collective agreements. The claim is filed with INPS before the period starts and must be notified to the employer.
📋 The rules
- Parents' right to care for children (beyond maternity/paternity)
- Employees: paid up to 9 months in total
- Usable until the child is 14
- Up to 3 months at 80%; the rest, as a rule, at 30%
- Claim with INPS before the start; notice to the employer
🔓 Exceptions
- Different limits for Gestione Separata (up to 12 years) and the self-employed
- Multiple birth, serious disability of the child: additional periods
- Hourly use: per the collective agreements
⚠️ Penalties & fines
Parental leave is a right: the employer can't deny it or penalise its use, and a dismissal for this reason is void. The benefit is paid by INPS, on request, if the requirements are met. It's best to notify the employer with the required notice and file the claim with INPS before the period starts. The first weeks/months at 80% are particularly favourable: plan your use to take advantage of them. If the leave or benefit is unduly denied, you can complain and turn to a patronato or the union.
📎 Official sources
- INPS · Parental leave for employees →
- Normattiva · Lgs. Decree 151/2001 (Maternity and Paternity Consolidated Act) →
- Ministry of Labour · Leave and work-life balance →
❓ Frequently asked
How many months of parental leave can I take?
For employees, parental leave is paid up to 9 months in total between the two parents, with individual limits. It can be used until the child is 14. Of these, up to 3 months are paid at 80% of pay.
How much do I get during parental leave?
Up to 3 months in total are paid at 80% of pay; the remaining periods, as a rule, at 30% (with possible income conditions). The benefit is paid by INPS on request. It's best to plan the use of the 80% months, which are more favourable.
Until what age of the child can I use it?
For employees, until the child is 14, after the extension introduced by the 2026 budget law. For Gestione Separata workers the limit is 12 years, and for the self-employed it's the child's first year of life, with their own rules.
Can the employer deny me parental leave?
No. It's a right and the employer can't deny it or penalise its use; a dismissal for this reason would be void. But you must give the required notice and file the claim with INPS before the leave period starts.
Can I take the leave by the hour?
Yes, where the collective agreements provide for it. Parental leave can be taken continuously, in days or even by the hour, as set by the applicable agreements. Check the arrangements in your contract and agree with the employer.
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