Pregnant as a freelancer: how the UWV's ZEZ benefit works

What is the ZEZ scheme?

The ZEZ scheme is a UWV benefit for pregnant self-employed workers. You do not need insurance and pay no premium: it is a statutory right. The benefit lasts at least sixteen weeks and starts, at your choice, six to four weeks before your due date. Weeks not taken before the delivery can be taken afterwards.

How much is the benefit?

The amount depends on the hours criterion. If you worked at least 1,225 hours in your business in the year before the benefit, you receive the maximum: one hundred percent of the statutory minimum wage. If you did not reach those hours, the benefit is based on your profit in the preceding year, capped at the minimum wage. Here too, good time records pay off directly.

The ZEZ benefit is gross and counts as income for income tax. Factor that into your reservations so you are not surprised by an assessment afterwards.

Arrange this in time

Apply for the benefit at UWV, preferably at least two weeks before you want it to start. You need a pregnancy statement from your midwife or doctor. Also plan practically: inform your clients, wrap up or temporarily hand over running assignments, and check that your VAT returns and bookkeeping are ready for your leave period.

Do you have disability insurance? Check the conditions: some insurers pay an additional benefit around the delivery, on top of the ZEZ. That combination makes your leave financially much more comfortable.