How Sick Leave Entitlements Work

📅 When You Qualify and How Days Build

Employees generally become entitled to paid sick leave after an initial qualifying period of continuous employment. After that, a fresh allocation of sick days is added at set intervals.

Qualifying and Top-Ups

Carrying Sick Leave Over

Unlike annual leave, sick leave is not paid out if you do not use it. Instead, unused sick days carry over to the next period, building up to a maximum cap set by law. This lets you accumulate a buffer for a more serious illness, but there is a ceiling, so it does not grow without limit.

📋 Proof, Notice and Pay

Telling Your Employer

You should tell your employer as early as possible that you will be away sick, ideally before your shift starts or as soon as you can. Many workplaces have a process for calling in, and following it keeps things simple.

Proof of Sickness

An employer can ask for proof of sickness, such as a medical certificate. There are rules about when they can require it, particularly for shorter absences, and if they ask for proof for a short absence they may need to contribute toward the cost of getting it. For longer absences, a medical certificate is more commonly required.

How Sick Days Are Paid

A paid sick day is generally paid at your relevant daily pay, what you would have earned had you worked that day. If your daily pay varies, an average daily pay calculation may be used instead. Check our Sick Leave Calculator for an estimate.

💡 Running Out and Common Questions

If You Run Out of Sick Leave

If you are unwell but have used all your sick leave, you and your employer can agree to take the time as annual leave, or as unpaid leave. Some employers allow sick leave in advance by agreement. The key is to communicate early rather than simply not showing up.

Sick Leave Versus Other Leave

• Annual leave: for rest and holidays, paid out if unused when you leave.
• Sick leave: for illness or caring for a dependant, not paid out when you leave.
• Bereavement leave: a separate entitlement for the death of certain family members.

Where to Check the Rules

Because the minimum number of sick days and the carry-over cap are set by law and have changed over time, always check the current figures with Employment New Zealand. If you think your entitlement is wrong, raise it with your employer first.

Final word: sick leave is a legal entitlement that covers your own illness and caring for dependants, builds up with a carry-over cap, and is not paid out when you leave. Communicate early, keep it separate from annual leave, and check the current minimums. This is general information, not legal advice.