Have you been made redundant? Has your contract not been renewed? Anyone can lose their job but thankfully, the Dutch government offers an unemployment allowance.
Dutch unemployment benefit: Requirements
Like with all other Dutch benefits and allowances, various requirements apply. Have you worked in the Netherlands for 26 out of 36 weeks? Are you available for work? Are you younger than 65 years? Check out the unemployment benefits requirements page to find out if you are eligible for this benefit.
How to apply for the unemployment benefit
The application for the unemployment benefit (WW uitkering) should take place either online (UWV WERKbedrijf) or at your local UWV office. Read more about how to apply for the Dutch unemployment benefit.
FAQ
Does the unemployment benefit apply to only full unemployment? Are expats entitled to the same benefits as Dutch citizens? Here are answers to the most frequently asked questions about the Dutch unemployment benefit.
Duration and value of the unemployed benefit
The duration of an unemployment benefit depends on how long you were previously employed. As a basic rule, each year of work in the Netherlands entitles you to one month of unemployment benefits, with a minimum duration of three months and a maximum duration of 38 months (three years and two months).
The value of your unemployment benefit is calculated based on the salary you earnt in the year before you became unemployed. From this, a daily "wage" (dagloon) is calculated, and this amount multiplied by 21,75 is your monthly unemployment benefit (WW maandloon).
For the first two months, you will receive 75 percent of your monthly unemployment benefit, and 70 percent thereafter. For 2024, the maximum daily "wage" (dagloon) is set at 274,44 euros (gross).
