No work after redundancy entitlement to unemployment benefit in Eindhoven

Are you entitled to unemployment benefit (WW) after a reorganisation in Eindhoven? Often yes. If you are dismissed in a reorganisation in Eindhoven, you are in most cases immediately entitled to unemployment benefit (WW). However, this does not happen automatically: there are conditions, deadlines and obligations that you need to be well aware of. Below you can read what to expect and what you need to arrange yourself.

When are you entitled to unemployment benefit (WW) after dismissal in a reorganisation?

A reorganisation falls under business-economic reasons. This means that the dismissal is not your fault. You are therefore, in principle, not culpably unemployed, which is a basic condition for unemployment benefit (WW). In addition to this general rule, there is one concrete test that UWV always applies: the weeks requirement.

In the 36 weeks before your unemployment, you must have worked for at least 26 weeks. Weeks worked for a previous employer count towards this. If you meet the weeks requirement, you are entitled to a basic benefit of at least three months.

If your dismissal is arranged by means of a settlement agreement, there are additional points to be aware of. The agreement must meet a number of conditions, including a neutral reason for dismissal and a statement that the initiative lay with the employer. If the wording is incorrect, UWV may refuse your unemployment benefit (WW). Always have the settlement agreement reviewed by a lawyer before you sign. You can read more about the dismissal procedure itself on the page Reorganisation and Redundancy in Eindhoven.

Level of the unemployment benefit (WW) in 2026

The amount of your benefit is linked to your social insurance wage (sv-loon): the wage on which you paid contributions in the twelve months before your dismissal. UWV calculates a daily wage from this and applies a percentage to it.

In the first two months you receive 75% of your daily wage, after which this drops to 70%. The statutory maximum daily wage in 2026 is €304.25 gross per day. If you earn more than this, your benefit is capped at that maximum. Any transition payment you receive is entirely separate from this and does not count as income for the unemployment benefit (WW) calculation.

How long does the unemployment benefit (WW) last?

The duration depends on two factors: the weeks requirement and the years requirement. The years requirement looks at your total employment history. For every year worked, you accrue one month of unemployment benefit (WW), up to ten years. After that, each additional year counts for half a month. The minimum duration is three months and the statutory maximum is 24 months.

If you have worked for ten years, you are therefore in principle entitled to ten months of unemployment benefit (WW). Some collective labour agreements contain supplementary arrangements that can extend the duration. Therefore, also check the social plan or the collective labour agreement that applies to your situation.

Please note: there are plans to change the maximum unemployment benefit (WW) duration in 2027. Always consult the current information via UWV or a lawyer at the time your dismissal occurs.

How to apply for unemployment benefit (WW) after dismissal in a reorganisation

Applying in good time is crucial. Submit your application in the first week that you are unemployed. If you apply too late, your benefit will start later and you may miss benefit days. You apply for unemployment benefit (WW) via Mijn UWV using DigiD.

Practical steps to be well prepared:

• Register as a jobseeker on your first day of unemployment via werk.nl
• Submit your unemployment benefit (WW) application within one week of your first day of unemployment
• Make sure you have your payslips, your employment contract and any dismissal letters to hand
• Check the notional notice period: if the notice period in the settlement agreement is too short, UWV may make the unemployment benefit (WW) start later than expected
• Have the settlement agreement checked for unemployment benefit (WW) safety before signing
• Request a decision from UWV via Mijn UWV; you will typically receive it within four weeks of your first day of unemployment

Obligations while receiving unemployment benefit (WW)

Receiving unemployment benefit (WW) also means meeting obligations. Once your benefit commences, you are required to actively apply for work. Unless other arrangements have been made with your UWV adviser, you must carry out and record a minimum of four job applications every four weeks via werk.nl.

During the first six months, you are only required to apply for work that matches your education and experience. After six months, virtually all available work is considered suitable, including positions below your level. Submit your monthly job seeker's form on time; if you miss that deadline, UWV may delay your payment or impose a measure.

Are you going to work part-time alongside your benefit? It is always worthwhile: your earnings will be partially offset against your benefit, but your net income will increase. Always make sure to report your hours properly via the job seeker's form.

Pitfalls that can jeopardise your unemployment benefit (WW)

Many people only encounter problems after signing the settlement agreement. Prevent this by taking the right steps in good time:

• Never sign a settlement agreement without a legal check for unemployment benefit (WW) safety
• Check that the notice period has been processed correctly; a period that is too short will result in a gap in income
• Do not accept dismissal on grounds of urgent cause if no such cause actually exists
• Be vigilant if you are ill: accepting dismissal during illness may be regarded by UWV as an act to the detriment of your benefit entitlement
• Never apply for unemployment benefit (WW) later than one week after your first day of unemployment

Why Employment Lawyer Eindhoven

When a reorganisation takes place in the Eindhoven or Brabant region, many matters arise at the same time: the settlement agreement, your transition payment, and securing your unemployment benefit (WW). Arbeidsjurist Eindhoven helps you to maintain an overview and looks specifically at what your situation requires. We check your settlement agreement for unemployment benefit (WW) safety, identify pitfalls, and support you if you wish to negotiate better terms. Contact us without obligation for an initial consultation.

Frequently asked questions

Am I always entitled to unemployment benefit (WW) if I am dismissed in a reorganisation?

In most cases yes, because dismissal due to reorganisation is regarded as dismissal that is not attributable to the employee. You must, however, meet the weeks requirement: you must have worked for at least 26 weeks in the 36 weeks prior to your unemployment. If the dismissal is arranged by means of a settlement agreement, that agreement must also be drawn up correctly. Always have the agreement checked before you sign.

How much will my unemployment benefit (WW) be after dismissal in a reorganisation in 2026?

For the first two months you receive 75% of your daily wage, then 70%. The maximum daily wage in 2026 is €304.25 gross per day. If you earn more than that, your benefit is capped at that maximum. The exact amount depends on your social insurance wage (sv-loon) over the twelve months before your dismissal.

How long does unemployment benefit (WW) last after dismissal due to a reorganisation?

The duration is a minimum of three months and a maximum of 24 months. For each year of employment history you accrue one month of WW up to ten years; after that, each additional year counts for half a month. Some collective labour agreements (CAOs) contain supplementary arrangements that may extend the duration.

When do I need to apply for unemployment benefit (WW) after my dismissal?

Submit your application in the first week that you are unemployed, via Mijn UWV using DigiD. Register as a jobseeker on your first day of unemployment via werk.nl. Applying late means your benefit starts later and you lose benefit days.

What are my obligations while receiving unemployment benefit (WW)?

You are required to actively apply for jobs. Unless other arrangements have been made, a minimum of four job applications per four weeks applies, to be recorded via werk.nl. After six months, virtually all available work is considered suitable. You must also complete your monthly work record (werkbriefje) and report any hours worked.

We are happy to think along with you. For advice tailored to your situation, we would be glad to talk. No rights can be derived from the content of this page and it may contain inaccuracies.