Calculation of Amount and Duration of WW Benefit in Leiden
The amount and duration of your WW benefit are determined by your employment history and the salary you previously earned. Understanding these factors helps you better manage your finances during a period of unemployment in Leiden.
Amount of the WW Benefit
Your WW benefit is calculated based on your daily wage, which is an average of your gross salary per day.
How is the Daily Wage Calculated?
The UWV determines your daily wage through the following steps:
- The total of your salary in the year before your unemployment (reference year) is added up.
- This amount is divided by the number of days you received salary.
- The result is multiplied by 261 (number of working days per year) and then divided by 12.
Maximum Daily Wage
There is a maximum daily wage set at €274.44 gross per day (as of 2024). This amounts to a maximum WW benefit of approximately €4,795 gross per month.
Percentages of the Benefit
| Period | Percentage of daily wage |
|---|---|
| First 2 months | 75% |
| From the 3rd month | 70% |
Example of 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 last 36 weeks), you receive at least 3 months WW benefit.
Extended 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 WW Benefit Duration
| Employment History | Duration of WW Benefit |
|---|---|
| Weekly requirement only | 3 months |
| 4 years employment history | 4 months |
| 5 years employment history | 5 months |
| 10 years employment history | 10 months |
| 15 years employment history | 15 months |
| 20 years employment history | 20 months |
| 26+ years employment history | 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 concerns the years in which you actually worked in paid employment from 1998 onwards.
Fictitious Employment History
This includes the years from your 18th birthday until 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 (if continuously worked)
- Total employment history: 31 years
- Maximum WW duration: 24 months
The Role of Part-Time Work
For part-time work, a year counts as full employment history if you worked at least 208 hours, regardless of whether it was full-time or part-time.
UWV WW Calculator
The UWV offers a handy online WW calculator on their website (uwv.nl), with which you can estimate the amount and duration of your benefit.
What Counts Towards Employment History?
- Work in paid employment in the Netherlands
- Civil service work
- Military service time
- Periods with WW, Sickness Benefit or WIA benefit
- Work abroad in EU/EEA (under conditions)
What Does Not Count?
- Work as a self-employed person (zzp’er)
- Work outside the EU/EEA
- Volunteer activities
- Internships without an official contract
Effect on Net Salary
From your gross WW benefit, some amounts are deducted, such as:
- Wage tax and premiums
- Possible pension premiums (if applicable)
- Any garnishments
As a result, you receive less net than the gross amount.
Holiday Pay with WW
You accrue holiday pay on your WW benefit, equal to 8% of your gross benefit. This is usually paid out in May.
Frequently Asked Questions about WW in Leiden
Can the duration of my WW benefit be extended?
No, the duration is fixed based on your employment history at the start. After it ends, you may be able to apply for social assistance through the municipality of Leiden.
What happens if I find temporary work and become unemployed again?
If you build up new WW entitlement, you can submit a new application. Sometimes previous entitlements can be reactivated.
Legal Support in Leiden
For questions or help with your WW application, you can go to the Juridisch Loket Leiden, located at Stationsweg 46. In addition, the District Court of The Hague, Leiden location handles matters regarding WW disputes.