Sick Pay: Who Qualifies and What You Get
Learn how sick pay works in the Netherlands, including how much of your wages you receive and the rules for notifying your employer.
Sick pay is a system designed to ensure that workers can continue to receive a portion of their income if they become unable to perform their job duties due to illness.
Who it's for
This scheme is specifically for individuals who are currently employed and hold a valid employment contract. It is intended to provide a level of financial stability for workers who rely on regular wages to cover their living expenses while they are recovering from a health issue.
What you get
If you are unable to work due to illness, you are entitled to receive a portion of your regular income. Specifically, you will receive at least 70% of your wages during the period you are unwell. This ensures that you still have a stream of income to help manage your costs while you are unable to be at your workplace.
What it costs you
There is no financial cost to you for accessing this sick pay. You do not have to pay a fee or a subscription to receive these wages from your employer.
The catch to know
The most important thing to remember is the timing of your notification. You are required to notify your employer about your illness on the very first day that you are unable to work. You must ensure this communication happens before a certain time on that first day to comply with workplace expectations and rules. In the Netherlands, this process of reporting your illness is known as ziekmelden.
How to apply
- Identify the specific time limit required by your employer for reporting an absence.
- Contact your employer as soon as you realize you are too unwell to perform your duties.
- Complete the ziekmelden process by following the specific communication methods set out in your employment agreement.
- Keep any necessary documentation that your employer may require to process your sick pay.