To support healthy families and strengthen our economy, North Carolina extends Paid Parental Leave to all state employees in the executive branch as well as participating public schools and community colleges.
Employees who have been employed by an executive branch agency, a participating public school or a community college for at least 12 months, and in pay status at least half that time, are eligible for paid parental leave upon a qualifying event of becoming a parent by birth, adoption, foster care or other legal placement of a child. Paid Parental Leave will be paid at 100 percent of the eligible employee’s regular pay.
Eligible state employees who give birth before October 1, 2026, will receive eight weeks of paid leave to recover from the birth and to bond with and care for their newborn. Other eligible state employees with a qualifying event before October 1, 2026, will receive four weeks of paid leave to bond with and care for the child.
Eligible state employees who have a qualifying event on or after October 1, 2026, will receive 12 weeks of paid leave to bond with and care for the child.
Resources
(Most relevant for employees with a Qualifying Event prior to October 1, 2026)
- Paid Parental Leave policy provides an overview of responsibilities for agencies and eligible state employees regarding the use of Paid Parental Leave.
- Frequently Asked Questions address common questions and concerns regarding Paid Parental Leave.
- Request Form to be submitted by eligible employees to request Paid Parental Leave.
The Paid Parental Leave policy will be updated to reflect the changes in law that take effect October 1, 2026 and new FAQs and guidance will be available soon.
Paid Parental Leave Policy, Request Form, and FAQs