BBZ
Maternity benefit in the Netherlands
If you work in the Netherlands and are pregnant, you will be entitled to 16 weeks' paid leave around the expected date of delivery. During this period, your wages will be paid in the form of a benefit. The UWV will pay the benefit to you or, if you are employed, to your employer.
Leave before and after the delivery
You can start taking leave between 4 and 6 weeks before the expected date of delivery. This is called pregnancy leave. After the delivery, you have another 10 to 12 weeks' leave. This is called maternity leave.If you fall ill before you can start taking leave, the pregnancy leave will start on the day you call in sick.
What you need to do
- Let your employer know in time (at least 3 weeks in advance) when you plan to take leave.
- Apply to your employer or the UWV for the maternity benefit no later than 2 weeks before the start of your leave.
When you have given birth, you must inform your employer or the UWV within 2 days.
Maternity benefits in Belgium
If you work or receive an unemployment benefit in Belgium and you get pregnant, you will be entitled to 15 weeks' paid leave around the date of delivery. During that period, you will get a benefit from your health insurance fund. If working during pregnancy is unsafe for you or your child, you will get a benefit throughout your pregnancy.
Leave before and after giving birth
You can take between 7 days' and 6 weeks' pregnancy leave (voorbevallingsverlof) before the expected date of delivery. After giving birth, you will have another 9 to 14 weeks' maternity leave (nabevallingsverlof).
What you have to do
- At the start of your pregnancy leave, let your health insurance fund know the expected date of delivery.
- Send in your health insurance fund's benefit information form.
- When you have given birth, send a copy of the birth certificate to your health insurance fund.
How much benefit will you get?
| Situation of employee | Amount during first 30 days | Amount as from 31st day | Maximum daily wage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Employee withhout employment contract (unemployed) | 79.5% of your wages | 75% of your wages | € 93.00 |
| Employee with employment contract | 82% of your wages (no wage cap) | 75% of your wages | € 93.00 |