Can a Highly Skilled Migrant receive WW unemployment benefit?

Main UWV eligibility checks

• You were insured for unemployment, which is usually the case when employed in the Netherlands.
• You worked at least 26 of the previous 36 weeks.
• You lose at least five working hours per week and corresponding income, or meet the proportional rule for very short hours.
• You are available for work.
• You are not responsible for your own unemployment.

Application timing

UWV allows an application from one week before the first unemployment day and advises applying no later than one week after it. Keep the most recent payslip, employment contract, bank account and unemployment date ready. UWV says it normally decides within four weeks of the first unemployment day.

Settlement agreement risks

For mutual termination, UWV says the agreement should record employer initiative, the reason, no gross misconduct, mutual consent and final-pay timing. Respect the legal or contractual notice period; WW may not begin before the notional notice period ends. Avoid signing while ill without specialist advice.

Amount and duration

UWV explains that WW generally pays 75% of the calculated monthly benefit income for the first two months and 70% afterwards, subject to the statutory calculation and income adjustments. Duration starts at a minimum of three months when the weekly test is met and can extend based on employment history.

Job-search duties

Recipients must remain available, carry out agreed application activities, report monthly income and notify changes. UWV commonly expects four job-search activities in each four-week period, unless a different arrangement applies.

Leaving the Netherlands

Exporting WW to another EU/EEA country or Switzerland requires UWV conditions and a PD U2 process. Separately, leaving can affect Dutch main residence and practical ability to secure a new recognised sponsor. Coordinate both systems before departure.