Applying for unemployment benefits in the Netherlands if you have fled from Ukraine
If you become partially or fully unemployed, you can apply for unemployment benefits. In the Netherlands, this is called 'WW-uitkering'. It is a temporary benefit to make up for the loss of income between your old and your new job.
These are the requirements to apply for unemployment benefits
You may be entitled to unemployment benefits (WW-uitkering) if you meet these conditions:
You worked for 26 consecutive weeks in the 36 weeks before you became unemployed
You have worked in salaried employment
You live in the Netherlands
You worked an average of 10 hours per week
You lose 5 hours or more of work per week
You did not become unemployed through your own fault
You can immediately start looking for other gainful employment
You can apply for unemployment benefits 1 week before the first day you become unemployed. You can also do this within 1 week of your last day of work. If you do this later, and you are still entitled to the benefit, you will receive a lower amount at the beginning of the benefit.
How to apply for unemployment benefits
You apply for unemployment benefits (WW-uitkering) from the
The UWV sends a letter to let you know if you are entitled to 'WW-uitkering'. If you are entitled, the letter will tell you the amount you will receive per month and how many months you will receive it.
The amount of your unemployment benefits
How much 'WW-uitkering' you get depends on your salary. In the first 2 months it is 75% of your daily wage, then 70%. The daily wage is your average daily wage over the past year.
Assistance in applying for unemployment benefits
If you cannot manage to apply for unemployment benefits yourself, the financial support centre in your municipality can help you. Ask your municipality where this can be found. It is often in the library or another public building. Or go to VluchtelingenWerk (Nederland) in your municipality for help.
Contact with VluchtelingenWerk Nederland
You can apply for living allowance if you are not entitled to unemployment benefits
If you are not entitled to 'WW-uitkering' because you do not meet the conditions, you can ask the municipality where you live to receive living allowance. You can also apply for living allowance if your 'WW-uitkering' stops and you have not yet found other work.