WAZO Benefit Amount Utrecht 2024
The **WAZO benefit** (Sickness Fund Disability Act) compensates your income during maternity and childbirth leave in Utrecht. Specifically for the Central Netherlands region, standard rules apply, but CAOs in Utrecht sectors may offer more favorable conditions. Discover the calculation, current amounts, and local contact points.
What is the WAZO benefit in Utrecht?
The WAZO benefit supports female employees in Utrecht who cannot work due to pregnancy (from 16 weeks before the due date) or childbirth (6 weeks thereafter). Paid out via your health insurer or disability insurance, based on gross salary. In Utrecht, many cases fall under the District Court of Central Netherlands.
Regulated via the **WAZO Act** and **Disability Insurance Act**. Your CAO or employment contract determines additional rights, often with continued payment by Utrecht employers.
Legal basis and local authorities
Main laws:
- WAZO Act: Core regulation for pregnant and postpartum female employees.
- CW Article 7:667a: Right to leave.
- CAO and employment contract: Often 100% continued payment in the first period.
Locally in Utrecht:
- District Court of Central Netherlands: Vrouwe Justitiaplein 1, Utrecht – for disputes.
- Utrecht Legal Aid Office: Catharijnesingel 55 – free advice on WAZO applications.
Without CAO agreements, the standard sickness fund regulation applies.
How is the WAZO benefit calculated in Utrecht?
Determined by:
- Gross salary (basis for percentage).
- Leave duration: First 16 weeks maternity + 6 weeks childbirth leave often paid by employer.
- Health insurer rules (varying per policy).
Standard:
- Employer pays first 16+6 weeks (100%).
- WAZO thereafter: 70-100% gross, depending on CAO.
Current WAZO amounts Utrecht 2024
Dependent on salary and policy. Average percentages:
| Type | Percentage of gross salary | Utrecht remarks |
|---|---|---|
| Continued pay by employer | 100% | First 16 weeks maternity + 6 weeks childbirth leave. |
| WAZO standard | 70% | After employer; via Utrecht health insurers. |
| WAZO with CAO | 70-100% | Higher in Utrecht sectors such as healthcare/government. |
| Max. daily wage 2024 | €274.44 | UWV reference; WAZO often follows this maximum. |
Example calculation Utrecht
Gross salary €3,000/month (€111/day):
- First period: €3,000 (employer).
- WAZO 70%: €2,100/month (€77/day).
Up to max. €274/day. Check your CAO via Legal Aid Office.
Applying in Utrecht
- Report leave to employer.
- Submit WAZO application to health insurer (before end of first leave period).
- Contact Utrecht Legal Aid Office (Catharijnesingel 55) in case of problems.
Tip: Keep payslips and medical certificates. In case of dispute: District Court of Central Netherlands, Vrouwe Justitiaplein 1.