The short answer
Maternity and childbirth leave is a different entitlement from parental leave. Ordinary maternity and childbirth leave totals at least 16 weeks, with specific rules for timing and special situations.
Choose the right leave type
Parental leave has a separate entitlement and payment structure. Do not use an annual-holiday balance as the default substitute for a statutory family-leave route.
Plan leave and payment together
Eligible employees can receive paid parental leave for up to nine working weeks under the applicable UWV conditions, including when the leave is taken. The benefit uses a percentage of the daily wage and a maximum; it is not automatically full salary. Ask the employer how the application is handled and whether the CAO supplements payment. Changes in contract hours or employment require a fresh check.
What to do next
- Identify the leave type and desired dates.
- Check eligibility, application timing and any CAO supplement.
- Keep written approval and confirm who submits the benefit application.
A parent working 24 hours a week should plan leave in relation to their working hours. “Nine weeks” does not mean the same total number of paid leave hours as for someone working 40 hours.
Questions people ask
Is maternity leave taken from ordinary holiday days?
Statutory maternity and childbirth leave is a separate route. Ask the employer to identify the leave correctly.
Is parental leave always paid at full salary?
No. Statutory paid parental leave has its own benefit percentage and ceiling. A CAO or employer may supplement it.
Does an agency worker have no family-leave rights?
Agency employment does not automatically remove statutory rights. Contract status and the benefit conditions still need checking.
Who submits the UWV application?
The employer commonly handles employee benefit applications. Confirm the process and keep the approval and payment information.
What if my contract ends around the leave period?
Ask UWV and the employer how the end date affects the specific leave and benefit. Do not assume all payments stop or continue in the same way.
Sources
Last verified: 4 October 2026. Sources are in Dutch or English.