Sourced Content
Wellington, March 13, 2021
There is a simpler application process for new parents and primary carers to apply for paid parental leave. Applications for parental leave payments can now be done online, and for most parents, eligibility will be automatically determined by the tax records held by Inland Revenue Department (IRD).
There is no longer the need for workers and employers to calculate and verify earnings in order to determine eligibility and payments. It also means no more printing, scanning and posting paper forms.
Relief to new parents
Paid parental leave supports parents to take time away from work, to care for and bond with their new child. A person may be able to get parental leave payments even if they don’t qualify for parental leave from their employment.
Parental leave payments are administered by IRD.
Starting or growing a family is a major life milestone that can come with unique experiences and challenges. This is a small but important change that gives parents one less thing to worry about.
The Criteria
The IRD Website has more information on how to apply for paid parental leave. The application process also connects with SmartStart, the Government’s single and comprehensive online platform for services associated with the birth of a child.
You will need: (1) Your myIR logon details (2) Your tax code (3) Your bank account number (4) Evidence from your lead maternity carer of your due date or the baby’s date of birth (5) Evidence that you are a primary carer who takes permanent primary responsibility for a child under six years of age, such as adoptive parent, home for life parent, whangai, grandparent with permanent full-time care and others with permanent care arrangements.
Acceptable Evidence
Acceptable evidence is can be a (a) Court Order or a certified copy of the Court Order (b) Letter from Oranga Tamariki (c) Completed Statutory Declaration – IR880D
Permanent Primary responsibility does not include part time or temporary responsibility such as foster care or childcare arrangements and the spouse or partner of the expectant mother.
Source: Employment New Zealand
The above Report has been sponsored by
