Maternity/Paternity Leave: Who Qualifies and What You Get
Understand the paid leave durations for maternity and partner leave in the Netherlands and how to manage your application through your employer.
This scheme provides paid time off for expecting parents to care for their new child.
Who it's for
This scheme is designed for expecting parents who are preparing for the arrival of a child. It is intended to provide stability and support for families during the transition into parenthood.
What you get
The benefit provides paid leave to ensure parents can focus on their family during the early stages of a child's life. For maternity leave, you are eligible for 16 weeks of paid leave. For partners, the scheme provides 6 weeks of leave to support the household.
What it costs you
There is no direct monetary cost to you to access this leave. However, it does require your time and effort to manage the administrative side of the process. To receive these benefits, you must complete the application process through your employer rather than applying directly to a government office.
The catch to know
It is important to note that partner leave is only partially paid. Because the amount of pay you receive may not cover your full salary, you should check your specific collective agreement (CAO) to understand the exact details of your coverage and how it affects your finances.
How to apply
- Review your specific employment terms and collective agreement (CAO) to understand your pay.
- Coordinate your intended leave dates with your employer.
- Submit your formal application for leave through your employer.
- Confirm with your employer that the application has been processed correctly.