The WIEG Scheme: Paid Parental Leave in Amsterdam
The WIEG scheme (Paid Parental Leave Act) provides working parents in Amsterdam with nine weeks of paid leave upon the birth of their child. This is in addition to standard birth leave and is available to both parents. The benefit amounts to 70% of your daily wage (with a maximum) and is provided by the UWV. Since 1 August 2022, this scheme has helped Amsterdam parents—often working in dynamic sectors like finance or media—spend more quality time with their newborn.
What Does the WIEG Scheme Mean for Amsterdam Residents?
The WIEG scheme expands Dutch leave policy with paid parental leave. Previously, fathers and partners only had unpaid parental leave or a short paid birth leave of five days. Now both parents can take nine consecutive weeks, partly paid. This must be taken within one year of the birth and can be flexibly scheduled in consultation with your employer, as long as it is continuous.
The law promotes a fair balance between work and care, ideal for Amsterdam families in a high-pressure city. It primarily targets the mother's partner, but mothers can also use it after maternity leave.
Legal Basis of the WIEG Scheme
The WIEG scheme is set out in the Paid Parental Leave Act, which amends the Work and Care Act (WAZO). Key provisions:
- Article 1:1(1) WAZO: Defines parental leave.
- Article 2:1 WAZO: Establishes the nine-week period.
- Article 6:1 WAZO: Regulates the UWV benefit.
It implements EU Directive 2019/1158 on work-life balance. The maximum daily wage for 2024 is € 274.44, aligned with the Sickness Benefits Act.
Eligibility Conditions for WIEG Leave in Amsterdam
To qualify for the WIEG scheme, you must meet these requirements:
- You are an employee (including on-call workers with ≥26 weeks of service).
- Birth on or after 1 August 2022.
- Taken within 52 weeks of birth.
- Notify employer at least 4 weeks in advance.
- Apply to UWV before the first day of leave for the benefit.
Self-employed workers without staff (ZZP'ers) do not receive benefits but can take leave with a client.
Rights and Obligations under WIEG
Rights as an Employee
- Nine weeks of part-time leave (up to 50% of normal hours).
- Protection against dismissal during and after leave.
- UWV benefit: 70% of social insurance daily wage (max. € 274.44 in 2024).
Obligations
- Must be taken consecutively.
- Inform employer well in advance.
- Apply for and report UWV benefit.
Amsterdam Examples of the WIEG Scheme
Example 1: Father Mark from Amsterdam-Zuid works 40 hours per week; child born on 1 September 2023. He takes WIEG leave from 2 January to 26 February 2024 (9 weeks). With a daily wage of € 200, he receives 45 days x € 140 (70%), totaling € 6,300 gross. Employer may top up.
Example 2: Mother Lisa from de Pijp has 12 weeks of maternity leave. This is followed by 9 weeks of WIEG, adjusted to 50% of her 24 hours/week.
Comparison with Other Leave Types
| Scheme | Duration | Paid | For Whom | Takable |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Birth Leave | 1 week (5 days) | 100% employer salary | Partner | Within 4 weeks of birth |
| WIEG Scheme | 9 weeks | 70% UWV (max daily wage) | Both parents | Within 1 year |
| Parental Leave | 26 weeks per parent | Unpaid | Both parents | Until child is 8 |
| Adoption Leave | 6 weeks | 100% UWV | Both parents | Within 1 year of adoption |
Applying for WIEG Leave: Step-by-Step Guide
- Notify employer (≥4 weeks in advance).
- Apply for benefit on UWV.nl with DigiD (ideally 8 weeks ahead).
- Send UWV decision to employer.
- Enjoy leave and weekly benefit.
Perhaps Also of Interest
Read more about Paid Parental Leave (WIEG), Maternity Leave or Birth Leave.
Frequently Asked Questions about WIEG in Amsterdam
Can I spread out WIEG weeks?
No, must be taken consecutively. Part-time (up to 50%) is possible.
Employer refuses my request?
Refusal is not allowed if notified in time. Contact Amsterdam District Court, Netherlands Labour Authority or Amsterdam Legal Aid Office for assistance.
WIEG for adoption?
No, only for birth. Adoption leave applies separately.
Salary top-up?
Not mandatory, but check collective agreement or contract; many Amsterdam collective agreements top up to 100%.
Tips for Amsterdam Parents
- Plan early with your employer to avoid conflicts.
- Consult Amsterdam Legal Aid Office for free advice (Weesperstraat location).
- Check Municipality of Amsterdam for local family support.
- Combine with flexible childcare in the city.