What Is Unemployment Benefit (WW)?
The Unemployment Insurance Act (WW) provides a temporary income if you have become unemployed. Unemployment benefit bridges the period until you find new employment. The Employee Insurance Agency (UWV) administers unemployment benefit and assesses whether you meet the conditions.
Conditions for Unemployment Benefit
To qualify for unemployment benefit, you must meet four conditions:
- Unemployed: you have lost at least five working hours per week
- Not culpably unemployed: the dismissal must not be your own fault (no summary dismissal due to culpable conduct)
- Weeks requirement: you have worked at least 26 weeks in the last 36 weeks
- Available: you are available for work and have registered as a jobseeker with the UWV
Duration of Unemployment Benefit
The duration depends on your employment history:
- Basic benefit: 3 months (if you meet the weeks requirement)
- Extended benefit: one additional month for each year of employment history, up to a maximum of 24 months (if you also meet the years requirement: having worked at least 208 hours per year in 5 of the last 8 years)
Amount of Unemployment Benefit
During the first two months, you receive 75% of your most recently earned daily wage. From the third month onwards, this is 70%. The daily wage is capped at EUR 274.44 per day (2026). Your unemployment benefit therefore amounts to a maximum of approximately EUR 4,250 gross per month.
Obligations During Unemployment Benefit
During your unemployment benefit period, you have obligations: you must apply for jobs, be registered with the UWV, report any changes and be available for work. Failure to comply with these obligations may result in a reduction of your benefit or its termination.
How to Apply
Apply for unemployment benefit via werk.nl, no later than one week after the start of your unemployment. The sooner you apply, the sooner the benefit commences. Arslan Advocaten can advise you if your application is rejected or if you have questions about your rights.