New Paid Parental Leave for Den Haag Parents
The new paid parental leave provides Den Haag parents with paid leave of up to 9 weeks in the first year after the birth of their child. Since 1 August 2022, the UWV reimburses 70% of your daily wage as a supplement to existing leave. This supports baby care and promotes work-life balance in Den Haag.
What does new paid parental leave entail?
This paid leave is intended for biological or adoptive parents in the first 12 months after birth or adoption. Unlike the unpaid parental leave, which can be taken flexibly up to age 8, this focuses on the crucial early period. Both parents receive 9 consecutive weeks, partly directly after maternity leave. It encourages shared care, and Den Haag employers may not refuse it arbitrarily.
Via the duration of parental leave page, this expands options for balanced task sharing.
Legal basis
The Paid Parental Leave Act (Bulletin of Acts and Decrees 2022, 196) forms the foundation, with amendments in the Labour and Delivery Insurance Act (LBIO Act). Relevant provisions:
- Article 3:1 LBIO Act: Right to 9 weeks of leave.
- Article 1:1 sub g LBIO Act: Definition including paid form.
- Article 7:634a Civil Code: Taking leave and possible refusal.
- Article 76 UWV Act: UWV benefit of 70% daily wage (max. € 274.44 in 2024).
This complies with EU Directive 2019/1158 on work-life balance.
Conditions in Den Haag
For new paid parental leave, the following apply:
- You are the child's parent (biological/adoptive).
- Taken within 1 year of birth/adoption.
- At least 1 month employed by a Den Haag employer.
- Maximum 9 weeks, consecutive or half days.
- Notification at least 4 weeks in advance (from 4th week of pregnancy for birth).
Self-employed in Den Haag have no right to payment, but do have unpaid leave.
Application procedure
Two steps for Den Haag employees:
- Notify employer: Letter with dates, duration and hours; template on rijksoverheid.nl.
- UWV benefit: Within 2 months after start via uwv.nl; attach payslip, ID and proof of relationship to child.
Refusal only for compelling business reasons, such as peak periods. In case of dispute: District Court Den Haag.
Comparison with other leave
| Type of leave | Duration | Payment | Taking period |
|---|---|---|---|
| Birth leave (father/partner) | 1 week + 5 weeks | 100% salary | 6 weeks after birth |
| New paid parental leave | 9 weeks | 70% daily wage (UWV) | 1 year after birth |
| Classic parental leave | 26 weeks per parent | Unpaid | Up to 8 years |
Rights and obligations
Rights:
- Protection against dismissal (art. 7:670a Civil Code).
- Return to the same position.
- UWV benefit independent of employer.
Obligations:
- Notify on time.
- No additional work during leave.
- Fraud leads to repayment.
Practical examples from Den Haag
Example 1: Den Haag mother Lisa takes 5 weeks after maternity leave; partner Erik follows with 4 weeks after his birth leave. Both via UWV.
Example 2: For twins, double entitlement, but small Den Haag businesses may require staggering.
Example 3: Scheveningen employee notifies late by email; District Court Den Haag rules it valid.
Frequently asked questions
Can I combine it with part-time work?
Yes, in half days (min. 1 day/week), employer adjusts hours; not with full-time.
My employer refuses?
Only for compelling reasons. Contact UWV or District Court Den Haag; keep emails.
Entitlement for part-time?
Yes, pro rata; for 20 hours/week, 9 weeks at 20 hours.
For adoptive parents?
Yes, within 1 year of adoption.
Tips for Den Haag
For new paid parental leave:
- Plan with partner and employer for smooth transition.
- Use rijksoverheid.nl template letter.
- Check daily wage with UWV.
- For issues: free advice from Juridisch Loket Den Haag or Municipality of Den Haag.