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Today, balancing family and work life is a top priority not only for mothers but also for working fathers. As traditional gender roles recede, many fathers want to witness their children growing up more closely and contribute actively to family life. At this point, working fathers’ leave rights play a critical role. Rights such as paternity leave, the right to part-time work, and the nursing allowance both strengthen family bonds and help maintain balance in working life.
In this article, we examine the legal rights of working fathers in detail within the framework of current legislation.
The Right to Paternity Leave
Every father whose wife gives birth can take paternity leave for different lengths of time, depending on the law that applies to him:
Employees subject to the Labor Law (Law No. 4857): 5 days of paid paternity leave
Civil servants (Civil Servants Law No. 657): 10 days of paid paternity leave
Employees under the Press Labor Law: 3 days of paternity leave
Contracted personnel: 2 days of paternity leave
Military personnel: 10 days of paternity leave
As a rule, paternity leave begins with the birth and is generally taken in one block. However, if the employee and employer agree, it can also be taken in the days after the birth. Although practices differ when the leave coincides with holidays or public holidays, at most workplaces these days are also counted within the leave period.
Special cases:
If the mother dies during childbirth, her postnatal leave entitlement is transferred to the father.
In the case of adoption, fathers are granted 3 days of paid excuse leave for children under 3 years of age.
The Right to Part-Time Work
Another important right for working fathers is the right to part-time work. This right is granted to fathers as well as mothers.
It can be used from the end of paternity leave.
As a rule, one of the parents must be employed. However, in special cases such as when the child has an illness requiring continuous care, when the father has custody following a divorce, or when a child under 3 years of age is adopted, the requirement that the spouse be employed does not apply.
This right strengthens the balance within the family by allowing fathers to spend more time with their children.
Nursing Allowance (Milk Money)
The nursing allowance is a right granted not only to mothers but also to working fathers.
When the wife of an insured man gives birth, he is paid a milk money allowance.
Under Law No. 5510 (Social Insurance and General Health Insurance Law), this allowance is intended for insured persons under 4/a (employees) and 4/b (self-employed).
Civil servants fall outside this scope.
In this way, fathers can also receive financial support during the childbirth period.
Health Benefits and Survivor’s Pension Through the Spouse
Fathers who are not working or who become unemployed can benefit from healthcare services through their insured wives.
If the wife dies, fathers are also entitled to receive a widow’s pension.
The Importance of Working Fathers’ Rights
These rights granted to working fathers:
Balance responsibilities within the family,
Contribute actively to child development,
Strengthen work-life balance,
Increase employee motivation and engagement.
Conclusion
As of 2025, the leave and social rights of working fathers provide important legal safeguards that support family life. Paternity leave, part-time work, the nursing allowance, and health benefits allow fathers to spend more time with their children while also maintaining balance in working life.
In short, knowing their rights and claiming them when necessary puts working fathers’ family life and professional life on a healthier footing.
