Requesting maternity leave

Are you pregnant? And do you have an employer or are you receiving benefits? You have a right to maternity leave. You can take a minimum of 16 weeks of leave.

Last updated on 19 September 2024

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Maternity leave if you are receiving benefits

You have a right to maternity leave if you are receiving one of the following benefits:

  • Unemployment benefits;
  • Sickness benefits;
  • Wage-related benefits (WGA).

You can apply for the leave at UWV (Employee Insurance Agency). You do this at the same time as when you apply for maternity pay. You will receive maternity pay instead of your current benefits.

Maternity leave if you have an employer

If you are pregnant and work for an employer, you are entitled to a minimum of 16 weeks of maternity leave. You must apply for this leave at your employer. You must do this at least three weeks before your maternity leave is supposed to start.

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