19 Jul The different leave arrangements when having a child
The different leave arrangements when having a child
When a child is born, there are different types of leave. A recent development is renewed parental leave, which entitles parents of young children to nine weeks of (partially) paid parental leave. What leave are you entitled to as an (expectant) parent? Below is an overview of the various leave arrangements when having a child.
Maternity and childbirth leave
An employee is entitled to maternity leave in connection with her pregnancy. This leave lasts at least sixteen weeks. Maternity leave starts six to four weeks before the due date. After giving birth, the employee still has 10 to 12 weeks of maternity leave. The employee must take the maternity leave at least four weeks before the due date. Maternity leave begins on the day after delivery. The maternity leave remaining from six weeks after delivery can be taken by the employee in a staggered manner, over a period of up to 30 weeks. During the leave, WAZO benefits amount to 100% of the daily wage.
Paid and regular parental leave
Employees who are in a family relationship with a child under the age of eight are entitled to parental leave. Employee in a family law relationship to a child means:
- The legal parent
- The one who acknowledged the child
- The person who lives with, cares for and raises the child
- The foster or adoptive parent
Parental leave totals 26 weeks for each child up to age eight, of which nine weeks are paid parental leave. Paid parental leave may be taken (staggered) during the child’s first year of life. The WAZO benefit is 70% of the daily wage. Regular parental leave may be taken (staggered) until the child’s eighth birthday. This leave is basically unpaid leave.
Standard and additional birth leave
An employee whose partner has given birth is entitled to (additional) birth leave. These should include:
- The mother’s spouse
- The mother’s registered partner
- The one who lives with the mother
- The one who acknowledged the child
Standard birth leave lasts one work week, which must be taken within four weeks of the birth. The employer continues to pay full wages during standard birth leave. Additional birth leave lasts a minimum of one work week and a maximum of five work weeks. This leave must be taken within six months of the child’s birth. The WAZO benefit is 70% of the maximum daily wage.
