If you become ill and are unable to work, you'll want to know: will I still get paid? The answer varies depending on your situation. In the Netherlands, there are clear rules for sick pay. Most employees are entitled to continued payment of their wages, but we'll explain step by step below how this works and how long it lasts.
Statutory continued payment of wages in case of illness
If you are employed and become ill, your employer must continue to pay your wages according to the lawThis usually applies for a maximum of 104 weeks (almost two years). During that period, you are entitled to at least 70 percent of your last-earned salary.
Minimum wage and supplements
During the first year of illness, your salary may never fall below the minimum wage. If 70 percent of your salary falls below that minimum, your employer must supplement your salary to that minimum. This supplement no longer applies during the second year of illness.
What else you need to know
Some collective bargaining agreements or employment contracts may stipulate that you receive more than 70 percent of your salary during illness. This is often higher in the first year of illness than in the second.
Sometimes waiting days are agreed upon: days during which you don't receive pay due to illness. Check your contract or collective bargaining agreement carefully to see if this applies to you.
Exceptions
There are situations in which your employer is not obliged to continue paying your wages:
- When your temporary contract expires while you are ill. In that case, your salary payments often end immediately and you may be entitled to a sickness benefit via the UWV.
- If you refuse to cooperate to your recovery or reintegration.
- In other specific cases, for example if your illness was caused deliberately.
What if you don't have an employer?
If you're sick but no longer have a job, or if you're a temporary worker, on-call worker, or work through an agency, you can often receive sickness benefits from the Employee Insurance Agency (UWV). This is a temporary benefit that covers your income if you no longer receive wages from your employer.
Questions?
Do you have any questions about continued payment of wages during illness? Please do not hesitate to contact us. Our Service Center is available every working day from 8.00 a.m. to 18.00 p.m., via sc@unie.nl and 0345 851 963.
