When applying for adoption or foster care pay, you will need to submit proof that the adoption or foster care placement has occurred. If you have an employer, you must submit these documents to them.

If adopting a child, please submit the following documents:

• A statement from a licensed adoption agency proving the adoption will go ahead.
• A record of the child’s registration in the municipal personal records database (BRP) or a copy of the child’s temporary residence permit in the Netherlands (issued by the Dutch embassy in the child’s country of origin).

If fostering a child, please submit these documents:

• A copy of the foster agreement.
• A record of the child’s registration in the municipal personal records database (BRP).

If you are receiving an unemployment benefit, log onto Mijn UWV so you can access the Application form for adoption or foster care pay. You will need a DigiD account to do this.

To apply for adoption or foster care pay while receiving a sickness or WGA benefit, call UWV Telefoon Werknemers (the UWV employee helpline). Ask them for the ‘Application form for adoption or foster care pay’. You can request this form up to 4 weeks before your parental leave starts.

If you have voluntary income protection coverage (‘vrijwillige verzekering’), call UWV Telefoon Werknemers and tell them you would like to apply for adoption or foster care pay. They will ask you a few questions to see whether you qualify for this benefit. If you do qualify, you will be sent a form that you will need to complete and return to us.

It is important that we receive your application form on time. If you are receiving a benefit or have an employer, the form needs to be with us at least 2 weeks before your parental leave starts. If you have voluntary income protection coverage, make sure we have the form 3 weeks before your parental leave starts. You can monitor the status of your application by logging onto Mijn UWV.

You will receive a decision about your application during the first 4 weeks of your parental leave. If you have an employer, they will also receive a copy of this decision.