Sick Leave Entitlements: Who Qualifies and What You Get
Learn how many paid sick days you are entitled to once you have worked for your employer for six months.
This scheme provides paid time off for workers in New Zealand to ensure they can recover from illness or care for family members without losing their income.
Who it's for
To qualify for these paid sick days, you must have been employed with your current employer for at least six months. Once you have reached this six-month milestone of continuous service, you gain the legal right to access these paid leave days as part of your employment benefits.
What you get
Once you are eligible, you are entitled to 10 days of paid sick leave each year. These days are designed to provide financial security so that you can take the necessary time to rest and recover when you are unwell, or provide care for others, without the stress of a missing paycheck.
What it costs you
There is no financial cost to you for accessing these entitlements. You do not have to pay a fee to use your sick leave, and it should be provided as part of your standard employment terms once you have met the service requirements.
The catch to know
A common misunderstanding is that these days can only be used for your own personal health issues. However, the rules allow you to use your accrued sick leave to care for members of your family who are unwell, rather than being restricted strictly to your own medical needs.
How to apply
- Review your employment contract or pay slips to verify you have completed six months of service with your current employer.
- Contact your employer or manager to inform them that you need to take sick leave.
- Follow your workplace's specific internal procedures for requesting time off, such as using a specific app or notifying a supervisor by phone.
- If you require further clarification on your specific rights, check with a government body or your employment agreement.