WIEG Benefit: Conditions and Requirements 2024 in Zoetermeer
The **WIEG benefit** (Income Provision Act for One-Off Family Allowance) provides parents in Zoetermeer with financial support during **Paid Parental Leave (WIEG)**. This temporary benefit covers income loss. Meet the conditions and apply via the SVB. Local support via Juridisch Loket Zoetermeer and Rechtbank Den Haag (district).
What does the WIEG benefit entail?
The WIEG benefit is a **social assistance scheme** for working parents in Zoetermeer who take leave for a child under 8 years old. Paid out by the **Social Insurance Bank (SVB)** based on your income over the **previous 12 months**. Specifically for combining work and care.
Unlike child benefit or childcare allowance: purely for leave period. Legislative framework promotes family balance.
Legal basis
Regulated in the **WIEG Act** and **Paid Parental Leave Act**. Relevant provisions:
- Art. 1.1 WIEG Act: Target group and basic conditions.
- Art. 2.1 WIEG Act: Benefit calculation.
- Art. 3.1 WIEG Act: Period and amount.
- Art. 4.1 WIEG Act: Application criteria.
- Art. 5.1 WIEG Act: Sanctions for fraud.
Labour laws (incl. art. 31a) regulate leave; SVB applies benefit rules. In case of disputes: Rechtbank Den Haag (Zoetermeer district).
Conditions for WIEG Benefit Zoetermeer
Divided into personal, income, and leave requirements. Submit supporting documents with SVB application.
1. Personal requirements
- Parent/foster parent of child <8 years (<12 if disabled).
- Resident in the Netherlands, registered in municipality of Zoetermeer.
- Employed or recently stopped for child care (post-maternity/adoption leave).
- Employment contract: min. 3 months work in 12 months prior to leave start.
2. Income criteria
**70% of average daily income** from previous 12 months, max. 26 weeks.
- Min. **€30 daily income**.
- Max. income approx. **€125,000 gross/year** (2024).
- No overlapping **social assistance/unemployment benefit** without job.
3. Leave rules
- **1-26 weeks continuous leave**.
- Inform employer in advance; no interruptions.
- Application within 2 months after leave start with SVB.
Applying in Zoetermeer
Online via SVB portal with payslips, contract, and birth certificate. Processing: 4-8 weeks. Questions? Call SVB or visit Juridisch Loket Zoetermeer (Stadhuisplein 1, 2711 EC Zoetermeer).
Rights and obligations
- Right to benefit upon meeting conditions.
- Obligation: report changes (new job/income).
- In case of refusal: objection to SVB, then Rechtbank Den Haag.
Local assistance Zoetermeer
- Juridisch Loket Zoetermeer: Free intake (tel: 0900-8020).
- Rechtbank Den Haag: Hearings for Zoetermeer (Piet Heinstraat 50, Den Haag).
- Municipality of Zoetermeer: Work and income team for additional advice.