Lithuanian fathers can claim parental benefits even if they don’t care for their children

Some fathers in Lithuania continue to receive parental benefits such as paternity leave and child allowances even when they do not live with or support their children, LRT.lt reports.

Social media users have highlighted cases where fathers, despite having no involvement in their child’s upbringing, still access benefits like paternity leave, non-transferable parental leave months, and child support payments. However, legal experts clarify that these benefits can only be restricted if parental rights are formally limited.

Under current regulations, a parent does not need to live with their child to qualify for state-provided benefits. These include parental leave and allowances available until the child turns 1.5 or 2 years old, as well as two non-transferable months of leave, which can be used by either parent if the other has not taken their allocated leave.

Simona Vilkelytė, a lawyer from the law firm Kandu Legal, explained that while one of the non-transferable months is often reserved for the father, it is not a strict obligation. If one parent does not use their non-transferable leave, the other cannot claim it either.

According to the Social Security and Labour Ministry, exceptions apply only when a child is raised by a single parent, guardian, or foster carer. In such cases, the sole caregiver is entitled to both non-transferable leave months and additional parental allowance for the extended leave period.