How long will I receive unemployment benefits in Netherlands?

The short answer

Your unemployment benefits (WW-uitkering) in the Netherlands last minimum 3 months, also called the basic benefit (basisuitkering). If you've worked longer, you'll receive a follow-up benefit (vervolguitkering) that can last maximum 24 months. The exact duration depends on how many years you've worked in the 35 years before your dismissal. For every five-year period of employment, you get three months extra WW. This means that with a complete work history of 35 years, you're entitled to the maximum benefit of 24 months.

What does Dutch law say?

The Dutch Unemployment Act (Werkloosheidswet) precisely regulates how long your benefit lasts. The law distinguishes between the basic benefit of 3 months and the follow-up benefit that can follow afterwards. The duration is calculated based on your work history in the 35 years preceding your unemployment. UWV automatically calculates what you're entitled to based on your salary data.

What should you watch out for?

It's important that all your employment periods are correctly registered with UWV, as this determines the duration of your benefit. Periods of illness, maternity leave and military service also count. Also note that the benefit can be stopped if you don't meet your obligations such as job searching.

Practical example

Say you're 45 years old and have worked for the past 20 years in the Netherlands. You'll first receive 3 months basic benefit. Since you've worked 20 years, you also get 4 periods of 5 years each, which comes to 4 × 3 = 12 months follow-up benefit. In total, you'll receive 15 months of unemployment benefits (WW-uitkering). Had you worked 35 years or more, you would get the maximum duration of 24 months.

What can you do?

To know exactly what you're entitled to under Dutch law, you can take these steps: