The socially insured fatherwho has been granted a 10 day long leave due to birth of his child in accordance with article 155, paragraph 10.1., 10.2., 10.3. of the is entitled to the paternity benefit.

Benefit is granted in accordance with the law On maternity and sickness insurance article 10.

When applying for the child care benefit the person must submit:

• application for the benefit;
• confirmation from the employer that the father is on the leave due to the birth of his child;
• child’s birth certificate with the entry about his father.

Documents can be submitted to any local office of the SSIA.

When applying for the benefit a personal ID document has to be produced.

Paternity benefit shall be claimed within 12 months period from the 1^st day of the leave due to childbirth.

Paternity benefit is granted and paid inthe amount of 100% from the average insurance contribution wage calculated from the six month income.

Average insurance contribution wage and benefit amount is calculated in accordance with the CM regulations No 270 from July 28 1998 Average insurance contribution wage calculation procedure and procedure for granting, calculation and payment of state social insurance benefits.

Paternity benefit can be received at the post office of the Latvian Post or other payment organisation as well as transferred to the beneficiary’s account at the bank or postal account system (PNS).