Are you entitled to benefits? In the Netherlands, you can count on an extensive social safety net if you are temporarily unable to provide for your own income. This social security system consists of three components: employee insurance, national insurance and social provisions. Agencies such as the UWV and municipalities offer support in situations of unemployment or incapacity for work.
Employee insurance
Employee insurance protects you against loss of income due to unemployment, illness or disability. If you live in the Netherlands and work for an employer, you may be eligible for this. Additional conditions apply to each insurance. Your employer pays the premiums, so that you can rely on these insurances when necessary. Sometimes you also contribute to this premium yourself, see for this the website of the Tax Authorities.
In case of unemployment you can apply for unemployment benefits via the UWV. More information about applying for unemployment benefits can be found on the UWV website.
National insurance
Everyone who lives in the Netherlands and has income from work or housing pays premiums for national insurance through taxes. Examples of these are the General Old Age Pensions Act (AOW), the Long-term Care Act (Wlz) and the General Surviving Dependants Act (Anw). These schemes offer financial security at important moments in your life. More information about your AOW can be found on the website of the National Government.
Social services
You do not pay a premium for social provisions; they are fully financed from the state treasury. In principle, every resident of the Netherlands is entitled to this, provided that you meet certain conditions. Examples are the Participation Act, the Allowances Act and the Income Provision Act for Older and Partially Disabled Unemployed Workers (IOAW).
Supported by De Unie
If you need to rely on the social safety net, you probably have a lot of questions: what should you do, how do you apply for benefits, and what do you agree with your employer or agency? The specialists at De Unie provide insight and information so that you are well prepared. If you do not agree with a decision made by an agency such as the UWV, you can De Unie also assist you in objection or appeal procedures. Visit our website for more information.
Want to know more?
Do you have questions about social security and which regulations are relevant to your situation? Please feel free to contact De UnieOur Service Center is available every working day from 8:30 AM to 17:00 PM via sc@unie.nl and 0345 851 963.
