Calculation of Amount and Duration of WW Benefit in Utrecht
Determining the amount and duration of your WW benefit depends on your employment history and the salary you previously earned. By gaining insight into these calculations, you can better manage your finances during a period of unemployment in Utrecht.
Amount of the WW Benefit
Your WW benefit is determined based on your daily wage, which is an average of your gross salary per day.
How is the Daily Wage Calculated?
The UWV uses the following method to determine your daily wage:
- Add up your total salary from the year before your unemployment (reference year).
- Divide this amount by the number of days you received salary.
- Multiply the result by 261 (number of working days per year) and divide by 12.
Maximum Daily Wage
There is a maximum daily wage of €274.44 gross per day (as of 2024). This amounts to a maximum WW benefit of approximately €4,795 gross per month.
Benefit Percentages
| Period | Percentage of daily wage |
|---|---|
| First 2 months | 75% |
| From the 3rd month | 70% |
Example Calculation
Suppose your daily wage is €150:
- First 2 months: €150 x 75% = €112.50 per day
- From month 3: €150 x 70% = €105 per day
- Monthly amount first 2 months: approximately €2,438 gross
- Monthly amount from month 3: approximately €2,275 gross
Duration of the WW Benefit
The length of your WW benefit is determined by your employment history. Two criteria play a role here:
Basic Benefit (Weekly Requirement)
If you meet the weekly requirement (at least 26 weeks worked in the past 36 weeks), you are entitled to at least 3 months of WW benefit.
Extension of the Benefit (Yearly Requirement)
If you also meet the yearly requirement (worked at least 4 out of the 5 years before your unemployment), the duration of your benefit is extended.
Overview of Benefit Duration
| Employment History | WW Benefit Duration |
|---|---|
| Weekly requirement only | 3 months |
| 4 years worked | 4 months |
| 5 years worked | 5 months |
| 10 years worked | 10 months |
| 15 years worked | 15 months |
| 20 years worked | 20 months |
| 26+ years worked | 24 months (maximum) |
The longest period you can receive WW is 24 months.
Actual and Fictitious Employment History
Your total employment history consists of:
Actual Employment History
This includes the years in which you were actually employed as an employee since 1998.
Fictitious Employment History
These are the years between your 18th birthday and 1998, which are automatically counted as employment history.
Example Employment History
Suppose you were born in 1975 and become unemployed in 2024:
- Fictitious employment history: 1993-1998 = 5 years
- Actual employment history: 1998-2024 = 26 years (with continuous work experience)
- Total employment history: 31 years
- Maximum WW duration: 24 months
Part-time Work and Employment History
For part-time work, a year counts as full employment history if you worked at least 208 hours in that year, regardless of whether it was full-time or part-time.
UWV WW Calculator
The UWV offers a convenient online WW calculator via uwv.nl, with which you can estimate the amount and duration of your benefit.
What Counts Towards Employment History?
- Employment under payroll in the Netherlands
- Civil service employment
- Military service time
- Periods with WW, Sickness Benefits Act, or WIA benefit
- Work in EU/EEA countries (under certain conditions)
What Does Not Count?
- Work as a self-employed person (zzp’er)
- Work outside the EU/EEA
- Volunteer activities
- Internships without a formal employment contract
Effect on Net Salary
Deductions are made from your gross WW benefit, such as:
- Wage tax and premiums
- Pension premium (if applicable)
- Possible garnishments
As a result, your net benefit is lower than the gross amount.
Holiday Allowance with WW
You accrue holiday allowance on your WW benefit, equal to 8% of the gross amount. This is paid annually in May.
Frequently Asked Questions about WW in Utrecht
Can the duration of my WW benefit be extended?
No, the duration is fixed based on your employment history at the start of the benefit. After it ends, you may be able to apply for social assistance via the municipality of Utrecht.
What happens if I find temporary work and become unemployed again?
When building up new WW entitlement, you can submit a new application. In some cases, previous entitlements may apply again.
How is income from part-time work offset?
Income from work is partially offset against your WW benefit, depending on the situation. Contact the UWV for specific details.
Legal Support in Utrecht
For legal questions about your WW benefit, you can go to:
- Rechtbank Midden-Nederland, Vrouwe Justitiaplein 1, Utrecht
- Juridisch Loket Utrecht, Catharijnesingel 55, Utrecht