WIEG benefit maximum: what can you expect in 2024?
The WIEG benefit (Income Provision Act for One-off Family Allowance) is a temporary benefit for parents who make use of Paid Parental Leave. The maximum amount depends on your income and the duration of the leave. In 2024, a fixed maximum applies, but the exact amount may vary. Read here everything about the rules, conditions, and practical aspects.
What is the WIEG benefit?
The WIEG benefit is a temporary benefit provided to parents who make use of Paid Parental Leave. This benefit is intended to compensate for the income of parents during the period that they (partially) do not work to care for their child. The amount of the benefit depends on your income before the leave and the duration of the leave.
The WIEG benefit is not granted automatically. You must submit an application to the Social Insurance Bank (SVB). The benefit is paid for the period that you are on leave, but not longer than the legally established maximum duration.
Legal basis
The rules for the WIEG benefit are laid down in:
- Income Provision Act for One-off Family Allowance (WIEG), part of the Disability Insurance Act (WAO) and the Work and Income according to Labour Capacity Act (WIA).
- Article 10 of the Paid Parental Leave Act, which describes the amount and calculation of the benefit.
- WIEG Decree, in which the exact amounts and conditions are laid down.
What is the maximum amount of the WIEG benefit in 2024?
The maximum amount of the WIEG benefit is based on your income before the leave and the duration of the leave. In general, the benefit amounts to 70% of your last earned daily wage, with a maximum set by the government.
In 2024, the following maximum applies to the daily benefit:
- €120.00 per day (gross), regardless of your income. This is the absolute maximum you can receive per day.
- The benefit is paid out for a maximum of 26 weeks (or 182 calendar days) per child.
Example calculation
Suppose you have a daily wage of €150 and you take 10 weeks (70 days) of WIEG leave. Then the SVB calculates your benefit as follows:
- 70% of €150 = €105 per day.
- Since €105 is below the maximum of €120, you receive €105 per day.
- Over 70 days = €7,350 (gross) for the entire period.
If your daily wage were €200, however, your benefit per day would be limited to the maximum of €120. You would therefore receive €120 per day, regardless of your higher income.
Maximum per child and per family
The maximum of 26 weeks per child applies per child. For example, if you have two children, you can in principle take 52 weeks of WIEG leave (provided you meet all conditions). However, the benefit is calculated separately per child.
| Aspect | Description |
|---|---|
| Maximum per day | €120.00 (gross) |
| Maximum per child | 26 weeks (182 calendar days) |
| Percentage of daily wage | 70% |
| Application period | At least 4 weeks before the start of the leave |
What are your rights and obligations regarding the WIEG benefit?
Your rights
- Temporary income: You receive 70% of your daily wage, with a maximum of €120 per day.
- Flexibility: You can take the leave in blocks of at least 2 weeks or as individual days.
- No tax: The WIEG benefit is tax-free.
- Combination with other benefits: You can combine the WIEG benefit with child-related budget or supplementary old-age provision (AOW), provided you meet the conditions.