The short answer
UWV assesses several conditions, including insurance for unemployment, work history, loss of hours and wages, availability for paid work and how the unemployment arose. The usual weeks condition is work in at least 26 of the preceding 36 weeks, with rules for particular situations. A foreign work history or residence can need additional assessment and documents.
Eligibility depends on more than paying payroll tax
UWV assesses several conditions, including insurance for unemployment, work history, loss of hours and wages, availability for paid work and how the unemployment arose. The usual weeks condition is work in at least 26 of the preceding 36 weeks, with rules for particular situations. A foreign work history or residence can need additional assessment and documents.
Prepare before the final working day
Collect contracts, the termination or non-renewal letter, recent payslips and employer details. Use UWV’s current application instructions and timing. Keep meeting reporting and job-search duties after applying. If you are ill rather than available for work, discuss the appropriate sickness route. Ordinary net salary calculations do not estimate WW entitlement or its exact amount.
What to do next
- Check the official eligibility list against your work and residence history.
- Collect the documents explaining the end of employment.
- Apply through UWV’s route and record the duties and deadlines in its decision.
An agency contract expires after regular employment. That does not by itself establish WW entitlement: UWV still checks qualifying work, hours lost, availability and other conditions.
Questions people ask
Does everyone who loses a job receive WW?
No. UWV checks the full set of conditions, including work history, lost hours and availability.
Can I get WW after resigning?
Voluntary resignation can prevent entitlement. Seek individual advice before resigning if you expect to rely on WW.
Can earlier work in another EU country matter?
It can be relevant under coordination rules. Tell UWV about foreign employment and ask which evidence it needs.
What if I am sick when the contract ends?
The sickness-benefit route may be relevant instead. Confirm the illness report and ask UWV which process applies.
Will WW equal my last net salary?
No. Benefit calculations use their own wage base, limits and rules. Use UWV’s explanation and calculation tools.
Sources
Last verified: 4 October 2026. Sources are in Dutch or English.