If you become unemployed or partially incapacitated for work, you are sometimes eligible for unemployment benefits or WGA benefits. This lasts for a maximum of 24 months. That was not always the case: until 2016, the maximum benefit period was 38 months, a little over three years. Social partners - including De Unie - were not happy with this austerity. That is why the Private Supplement WW and WGA (PAWW) was created. We therefore make agreements in collective labor agreements about this scheme, which, as it were, 'fixes' the third benefit year. Are you participating in the scheme? Then you transfer part of your salary to the PAWW Foundation. In 2021, this will be 0,4 percent of your gross salary - instead of the planned 0,5 percent.
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Why does the contribution remain the same?
As a participant in the PAWW you transfer part of your gross salary, so that if necessary you are entitled to an extra year of unemployment or WGA benefit. This contribution changes annually. From 2021, this would be 0,5 percent of your gross salary. But the board of the PAWW Foundation has decided not to increase the contribution: it will remain 0,4 percent, just like in 2020. The reason? Fewer people will become unemployed than expected - partly thanks to the government's corona measures. As a result, the foundation has to pay fewer benefits and the contribution can remain the same.
Am I eligible for a PAWW benefit?
You can check that on the website of the SPAWW. Enter your details and you will receive an estimate of your right to PAWW benefit, and the possible duration and amount. Or contact us and we will find it out together.
How does the PAWW work again?
It is one of our spearheads during collective bargaining: agreements about the PAWW. Will it end up in the collective labor agreement? Then your employer will withhold your PAWW contribution from your wages and deposit it for you in the fund. Do you then find yourself in a situation where you need unemployment benefits or WGA benefits and have you 'completed' the maximum benefit period? Then you are eligible for an extra year's benefit through the PAWW Foundation.
Please note: are you going to work elsewhere and have no agreements been made about the PAWW? Then your right to an extra benefit year will lapse. Will you then go back to work for an organization or industry that does participate? Then your PAWW accrual will continue as usual - the gap years count.
More information
Do you have questions about the PAWW benefit or your contribution? Please do not hesitate to contact us. Our Service Center is available every working day from 8.00 a.m. to 18.00 p.m. via sc@unie.nl and 0345 851 963.
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