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Paid Parental Leave: Who Qualifies and What You Get

Learn if you qualify for up to 26 weeks of paid leave and how to manage your application process.

Paid Parental Leave provides financial support to primary caregivers during the early weeks of a child's life.

Who it's for

This scheme is for primary carers who meet specific work-hour thresholds. You must have worked a certain amount of time to be eligible for the payments.

What you get

You can receive up to 26 weeks of paid leave to help support you while you care for your new child.

What it costs you

There is no direct fee to access this support, but you must complete an application process through the tax department.

The catch to know

The most important thing to remember is that you must apply for this leave before you actually start your leave. Waiting until after you have stopped working may affect your ability to receive the benefit.

How to apply

  1. Check that you meet the required work-hour thresholds.
  2. Prepare your application through the official government tax portal.
  3. Submit your application before your leave period begins.

For more details, visit the official portal: https://www.ird.govt.nz/paid-parental-leave