Unemployment benefits in the Netherlands
If you find yourself out of a job, but still living in the Netherlands you may be entitled to receive the unemployment benefit. Expats and locals alike can receive the benefit whilst searching for new employ.
How it works
The UWV WERKbedrijf (administrative office for employed persons) system outlines that initial unemployment benefits are paid out at 75% of your last earned wage for the first two months and 70% thereafter depending on your circumstances.
However, you should be aware that the unemployment benefit is not a welfare benefit and subsequently there is a minimum term of 3 months and a maximum term of 38 months. During this time you are required to look for work and show proof of application.
To be eligible for the unemployment benefit you must meet the "26 out of 36 weeks" ruling criteria, which states that you must have been employed for a minimum of 26 out of 36 weeks before your first day of unemployment, and be under 65 years old and able to work.
Applying for the unemployment benefit
Applications for the unemployment benefit can be done online at the UWV or at a local job centre.
You will be required to fill in an application form and, as part of this application process, you must be able to provide:
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Your BSN number
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Known last date of employ
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A DigiD code
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A letter / contract of termination
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Certified copy of last salary (wage slip)
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Original employment contract
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Valid proof of identity e.g. passport or verblijfsvergunning
The process takes up to four weeks and can be back paid to your first date of unemployment. Contact the UWV WERKbedrijf for further information.
Other benefits available
The Dutch tax system provides several other income replacement schemes to compensate people for familial circumstance or loss of income:
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Childcare benefit (Kinderopvangtoeslag) – A subsidy offered by the Dutch government to cover (part of) childcare costs (if your child attends a registered childcare organisation/centre).
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Child benefit (Kindgebonden) - You will automatically receive the child benefit if your children are under the age of 18 and your annual income does not exceed 46,700 euros per year.
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Children's allowance (Kinderbijslag) - Covers part of the costs for raising children and is dependent on the number of children, their age and whether they live at home or not.
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General tax credit (Algemene heffingskorting) - All employees in the Netherlands (including expats) are entitled to the general tax credit, which is basically a credit on your taxation through your employer.
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Rent benefit (Huurtoeslag) - Eligibility depends on age, rental price as well as household’s level of income and composition.
For more information, or to see if you are eligible for the aforementioned credits or benefits please visit the dedicated website (in Dutch) from the Belastingdienst (Dutch Tax Office), or contact by phone at 0800-0543.
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