Your receiving benefits

Are you receiving an unemployment benefit (WW), sickness benefit (Ziektewet), or a wage-related work resumption benefit (WGA)? Then you can receive a maternity and birth benefit around the time your baby is born. This benefit is paid and managed by the UWV (Employee Insurance Agency).

If your WW or Sickness Benefit ends

Even if your WW or Sickness Benefit has ended and you haven’t found a new job yet, you can still qualify for the maternity and birth benefit. The expected or actual due date of your baby must fall within 10 weeks after your previous benefit has ended.

How long does the benefit last?

The duration of your maternity and birth benefit is the same as for employees: at least 16 weeks of paid leave. In case of a twin or multiple pregnancy, you will receive at least 20 weeks.

When and how to apply

You can apply for your maternity and birth benefit between 4 and 2 weeks before you want it to start. The UWV will calculate your benefit based on your current daily wage from your existing benefit.

No job search or reintegration duties

From the day your maternity and birth benefit starts, your previous obligations (for example, applying for jobs or taking part in reintegration activities) are temporarily suspended. You do, however, have the rights and obligations that belong to your new maternity benefit.

Other types of benefits

If you receive a WAO, Wajong, IVA, WGA supplement, or follow-up benefit, your current benefit simply continues during pregnancy and after birth. In these cases, you don’t receive a separate maternity benefit.

💡 Know your rights and responsibilities! Visit the UWV website or call their information line to ask how it works in your personal situation, what your rights and obligations are, and what happens if your maternity benefit ends.