Parental leave 2026: how much do you get from the NEO?

2026 amounts and durations

Each parent is entitled to 4 months of parental leave per child, to be taken before the child turns 12. They can convert them into 8 months half-time, 20 months on a one-fifth reduction or, with the employer’s agreement, 40 months on a one-tenth reduction, and combine the options.

NEO amounts as of 1 March 2026, then indexed by 2% in September 2026: the exact September amounts are to be confirmed on the NEO website.

A single parent, living alone with their child, receives a higher amount. Its 2026 amount is not yet included here: your payment body or the NEO will confirm it.

Your net pay during parental leave

On a one-fifth reduction, the loss is small: salary falls by 20%, but withholding tax falls faster, and the allowance makes up part of the difference. Compare with simply switching to four-fifths.

Conditions and steps

• Seniority: 12 months with your employer in the last 15 months.
• Child’s age: the leave must start before the child turns 12 (21 for a child with a disability).
• Inform your employer in writing, 2 to 3 months before the leave starts.
• Apply for the allowance from the NEO, online or with the application form completed with your employer.
• Protection against dismissal during the leave and for up to 3 months after.
• The right is personal: you cannot transfer it to the other parent.

Parental leave is in principle an assimilated period (treated as worked) for the pension, on the basis of a normal notional salary.

Frequently asked questions

What next?

• What if I switch to four-fifths?The real loss in net pay, with or without an allowance.
• Time creditFor care or at the end of your career: conditions and allowance.
• What if a child arrives?Net pay, tax, nursery and family allowances.
• Leave and career breaksAll types of leave, compared with your usual net pay.