Parental rights and financial assistance
As a new parent, you're entitled to a range of employment rights. All parents are eligible for:
- 6 weeks of paid leave at your normal wage, paid by your employer
- a total of up to 52 weeks of parental leave, which you can take either in 1 block or a series of blocks over a 2-year period
- time of work to attend ante-natal or pre-adoption appointments
- breastfeeding rights, both in terms of breaks and workplace facilities. You have a right to request a variation in terms and conditions of employment to enable breastfeeding to take place
28-week appointment and parental benefits
At your 28-week appointment, your midwife will complete a form with you to start the process of applying for Parental Benefits. There are 2 benefits available to parents, including adoptive and surrogate parents, which can provide financial support as you prepare for the arrival and care for your new baby.
If you are an adoptive or surrogate parent, speak to your assigned CYPES professional or a member of the Employment, Social Security and Housing, Work and Family Team about applying for Parental Benefits. The benefits available are the same, but the process may be slightly different.
Parental grant
Is a one-of lump sum that is paid to parents to provide financial support as you prepare for a new baby. It is paid per child, so if you have twins or triplets, you will be able to receive 2 or 3 grants.
Visit Parental Grant: single payment to learn more.
Parental allowance
Is a weekly financial support of just over £280 per week that is available to parents taking time of work to care for a new baby. There are up to 32 weeks of payments available, and these can be shared between both parents. Both parents need to have paid social security contributions in the year before the expected due date of the baby to be eligible, and the payments are made when you are taking parental leave from work.
Find out more at Parental allowance: weekly payments.
Registering your baby's birth
Once your baby is born, you are legally required to register their birth with the Superintendent Registrar within 21 days. Find out what you need to know, including what official documents are required at Registering your child's birth in Jersey .
Your tax and child allowances
Once you have registered your child's birth or adoption with the Superintendent Registrar, Revenue Jersey will be notified. Information with details about child allowances and other tax relief related to children will be sent to you.
Find out more at Children's tax allowances.
Financial support for families
If you are on a low income or need financial help, you may be able to claim Income Support.
Use the online calculator to check if you qualify at Income support eligibility check .
Protecting your social security contributions
You may be eligible for Home Responsibility Protection (HRP).
If one parent is staying at home to care for their child, they may be eligible for HRP. This is a social security credit that protects your pension record while you are not working full time and also allows you to apply for parental allowance if you have another child.
Learn more about contribution credits for parents working 20 hours or less at Home Responsibility Protection (HRP).
Online courses and resources
There are free online learning courses and resources available for new parents in Jersey.
Visit Online learning courses and use access code 'Welcome' to sign up.
These courses are supplementary and are not intended to replace the personalised guidance and support available directly from your healthcare provider.
Healthy start scheme: food vouchers for pregnant women
Good nutrition is vital during pregnancy. The Healthy Start Pregnancy Scheme provides low-income pregnant women with vouchers for fresh fruit and vegetables, aiming to remove financial barriers and increase access to good nutrition.
You can apply for the Healthy Start Pregnancy Scheme if you:
- are pregnant and you have had your first midwife appointment and you also:
- receive Income Support
You can apply yourself online or your midwife can apply for you.
Find out more at Healthy Start Scheme
Once your baby is born you will continue to receive Healthy Start vouchers up until your child starts education, providing you are still receiving income support at this time. This benefit is also available to adoptive or fostering parents.
Checklist
- know your rights
- attend 28-week appointment
- submit parental benefit form
- book parental leave
- register baby's birth
- apply for HRP if you plan on staying at home
- check income support eligibility, if needed
- sign-up for free courses and resources
Starting Your Parental Journey
This guidance helps you understand the key steps and support available to you before and after your baby arrives. You can also download it as a leaflet Starting Your Parental Journey.
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