An employee who commutes daily via the A27 to work and suddenly loses his job at an office near Utrecht Centraal will, from 1 July 2026, receive faster clarity regarding his WW benefit. The revision of the Unemployment Insurance Act (Werkloosheidswet) reduces administrative burden and accelerates payments.
Faster First Payment
Integration with payroll systems will enable the UWV to transfer the first WW benefit within two weeks in 2026, instead of four to eight weeks. This prevents acute financial concerns for commuters travelling via the A12 or A2.
Simplified Daily Wage Calculation
The daily wage, which forms the basis for the monthly benefit, will from 2026 be calculated on the average of the last twelve months. Holiday allowance is included by default, one-off bonuses are spread, and the maximum daily wage rises to € 287.50. Seasonal workers no longer need to follow a separate procedure.
Adjusted Obligation to Apply for Jobs
Employees over sixty with thirty years of employment history need to apply for jobs less frequently. They receive more scope for retraining via a personal plan drawn up jointly by the UWV and the individual concerned. This also applies to persons involved in proceedings before the Rechtbank Midden-Nederland in Utrecht.
More Flexible Earnings Limit
Up to 40 per cent of the previous wage may be earned without full deduction. Everything above that threshold is offset. The measure lowers the threshold for part-time return to work, particularly relevant in the area around Vredenburg.
What Remains Unchanged?
The duration of the benefit remains dependent on employment history: a minimum of three and a maximum of 24 months. In the event of summary dismissal (ontslag op staande voet), the court continues to assess whether there is culpability.
Employers Preparing for the Changes
- Check HR systems for compatibility with the new UWV link
- Have settlement agreements (vaststellingsovereenkomsten) reviewed by a specialist
- Inform staff about the new earnings rules to retain experienced personnel
What Do Employees Need to Know?
Benefits already in payment will be converted to the new rules, usually to the recipient’s advantage. Questions about your specific situation? Call the Arslan office at Vredenburg 40, 3511 BD Utrecht on 030 - 8200 200 or request a free initial check at the Juridisch Loket Utrecht.