Applying for foster care pay
If you have taken in a foster child and receive pleegzorgverlof (foster care leave), you qualify for foster care pay during your leave. If you are employed, your employer will apply for the foster care pay for you from UWV (the Employee Insurance Agency). If you receive unemployment benefits, sickness benefits or wage-related WGA benefits, you can apply for the foster care pay from UWV yourself.
Last updated on 6 March 2026
Conditions for receiving a foster care pay
To qualify for a foster care pay, you must meet one of the following conditions:
- You have an employer.
- You receive unemployment benefits, sickness benefits or wage-related WGA benefits.
- You are voluntarily insured under the Sickness Benefits Act.
You can find all conditions for receiving a foster care pay on UWV’s website.
Applying for foster care pay
If you are an employee, your employer will apply for the foster care pay for you.
If you receive unemployment benefits, sickness benefits or wage-related WGA benefits, you can apply for the foster care pay from UWV yourself.
Laws and regulations (in Dutch)
Wet arbeid en zorg, hoofdstuk 3, afdeling 2