Te utu tiaki pēpi Paid parental leave

If you have a new baby or a child under 6 has come into your care, or you’re recovering from a pregnancy, paid parental leave payments will help out while you’re off work and not earning your regular income.

Find out who can apply, what the requirements are, the rules for preterm babies, how you can keep in touch with work, and what other income you can get without losing your entitlement.

Use our guided help tool to work out if you are eligible for paid parental leave.

Find out how much you’ll get as an employee or a self-employed person.

Make sure you use the right tax codes if you get other payments from your employer at the same time as you’re getting your paid parental leave payments.

Find out when you can apply, then apply for your payments.

Find out the rules, then if you qualify, transfer your entitlement to your spouse or partner.

KiwiSaver contributions are optional from paid parental leave payments, but if you’re buying your first home using KiwiSaver funds, check the rules first.

If you qualify for paid parental leave, you may qualify for Working for Families payments too.