Applying for pregnancy benefit and maternity benefit (WAZO-uitkering)
Are you pregnant? Have you been granted zwangerschapsverlof (pregnancy leave) and bevallingsverlof (maternity leave) by your employer? Then you are entitled to receive a zwangerschaps- en bevallingsuitkering – WAZO (maternity pay) during the period of your leave. The benefit will last as long as your leave. Are you currently receiving other benefits? Then you are also entitled to a zwangerschaps- en bevallingsuitkering.
Last updated 12 December 2022
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Timing of leave and benefits
You receive pregnancy leave and pregnancy benefit (zwangerschapsuitkering) before you give birth. You receive maternity leave and maternity benefit once you have given birth. You apply for zwangerschaps- en bevallingsuitkering – WAZO at the same time.
WAZO benefit conditions
Do you want to receive a WAZO-uitkering? Then you must meet certain conditions. For example, you must be employed or be receiving a WW-uitkering (unemployment benefit) or a WGA-uitkering (sickness or wage-related return-to-work benefit).
Do you have your own business? Then you can receive the WAZO-uitkering as a self-employed person.
Applying for WAZO benefit
Are you employed? Then your employer will apply for the WAZO-uitkering for you through the Uitvoeringsinstituut Werknemersverzekeringen – UWV (Employment Insurance Agency).
Are you receiving a WW-uitkering or a WGA-uitkering? Then you must apply for the WAZO-uitkering yourself through the UWV.
Laws and regulations (in Dutch)
Wet arbeid en zorg, hoofdstuk 3, afdeling 2