Quick Summary
Eligibility for paid parental leave in NZ depends on your work status (employee or self-employed) and the hours worked. Generally, you must have worked a certain number of hours within a specific period before the baby's due date or the child's care start date, and you must reside in New Zealand.
Details
Eligibility Criteria for Paid Parental Leave in New Zealand
To qualify for paid parental leave (PPL) in NZ, both employees and self-employed individuals must meet specific criteria related to their work history and residency.
General Requirements:
- Care of a Child: You must be taking time off work to care for a new baby or a child under 6 who has come into your care.
- Residency: You must be a New Zealand resident and ordinarily reside in NZ.
For Employees:
- You must have worked for an employer for at least an average of 10 hours a week over any 26 of the 52 weeks immediately before the baby's due date or the date you start caring for the child.
- This work can be for one or more employers.
For Self-Employed Individuals:
- You must have been self-employed for at least an average of 10 hours a week over any 26 of the 52 weeks immediately before the baby's due date or the date you start caring for the child.
- You also need to meet income thresholds which the IRD will assess.
The IRD provides a guided help tool on their website to assist you in determining your specific eligibility.
Source: https://www.ird.govt.nz/paid-parental-leave