The Netherlands, explained in English · Thursday 15 October 2026Thu 15 Oct

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The Netherlands, explained

WW (Werkloosheidswet)

WW is the Dutch unemployment benefit for people who have lost their job involuntarily and have built up enough employment history beforehand. It is an insurance-based benefit, funded through premiums, and it is paid by the Employee Insurance Agency (UWV) for a limited period that depends on how long the person worked. Because it is insurance-based, it is separate from the social assistance benefit (bijstand).

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