The Werkloosheidswet (WW) is the Dutch unemployment insurance scheme, administered and paid by the UWV to employees who lose their jobs through no fault of their own. Entitlement depends on the weeks-worked history, with a minimum of 26 weeks in the last 36 weeks giving a three-month benefit, and longer work histories extending cover up to 24 months.
The benefit replaces 75% of the daily wage for the first two months and 70% thereafter, capped at a statutory maximum daily wage. Recipients must actively seek work and accept suitable offers, with UWV monitoring compliance.
WW is funded by the Awf premium paid by employers. Since the 2020 Wet arbeidsmarkt in balans (WAB), the premium is differentiated: a low rate applies to employees with a permanent contract for fixed hours, and a significantly higher rate applies to flexible or fixed-term contracts. This structure is designed to discourage precarious employment.