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Can self-employed people get parental leave payments?

Yes, self-employed people can get payments if they meet the same rule. You need an average of at least 10 hours a week of self-employed work in any 26 of the past 52 weeks. You cannot combine employee and self-employed hours. The minimum payment is NZ$239.50 a week. You must work out your average weekly income before you apply.

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From the guide “Paid Parental Leave”Last verified Official pages checked daily

Official figures

Maximum per week (before tax)
NZ$811.051
Minimum per week for self-employed people
NZ$239.50 (equal to 10 hours a week at the adult minimum wage)1
How long payments last
26 weeks (6 months) in a row. Payments stop if you go back to work early.1
Work hours needed
In the 52 weeks before your baby's due date (or before you became the primary carer), you worked an average of at least 10 hours a week in any 26 of those weeks.1
Residence status
You do not need to be a New Zealand citizen or permanent resident. Your work must have a 'sufficient connection' to New Zealand.1

Official sources

  1. Parental leave paymentsEmployment New Zealand (MBIE) · employment.govt.nz
  2. When you can apply for paid parental leave paymentsInland Revenue · ird.govt.nz
  3. Apply for paid parental leaveInland Revenue · ird.govt.nz
  4. Partner's leaveEmployment New Zealand (MBIE) · employment.govt.nz

Read the full guide: Paid Parental Leave →

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