You are expecting a baby? Marvellous! Wonderful happiness is about to begin for you but, before you plan the baby shower, there are other factors you need to consider to ensure your peace of mind and your baby’s health and happiness.
Health-care questions always tend to figure high on expectant mothers’ to-do lists, and that is where you can relax, knowing that Partena Business & Expats is with you every step of the way.
In Belgium, all new mums are allowed a maximum of 15 weeks of maternity leave, which means that your employer should be among the very first to be informed – they will need a medical certificate to confirm your pregnancy at least eight weeks before the estimated date of birth. This is important, because it will protect you from redundancy and, if your work may involve a danger to you and your child in your ‘weakened condition’, your employer may decide to remove you from work.
Then, you should get in touch with your mutuality, because it will pay all allowances that you receive during your maternity leave and will calculate the amount of your maternity indemnities based on the information provided by your employer or your unemployment benefit office. You will also need to send a medical certificate indicating inability to work at the beginning of maternity leave, and also include the presumed date of birth and the date from which you will stop your professional activities.
Then, once your bundle of joy has arrived, make sure you send your child’s birth certificate, to ensure that your child is registered with your own mutuality.
Partena is also there to provide bonuses to help with the costs of your new baby’s arrival, such as preventive screenings, physiotherapy sessions and home help.
Any other questions you have, do not hesitate to contact Partena Business & Expats – they are there to help!
This is article was sponsored by Partena Business and Expats.
