De Unie, in your interest
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It can happen suddenly: you lose your job or face uncertainty about your contract. It's a period full of questions, worries, and sometimes fear: how will I make ends meet, what does this mean for my future, and what are my rights? It's precisely in such a situation that it's comforting to have someone in your corner.  

I'm at risk of losing my job
That feels unsettling: you don't know what's going to happen or what your future looks like. Looming unemployment can arise in various ways. Perhaps your contract is ending, a reorganization is taking place within your organisation, or your department is under pressure. It feels like everything is unstable.

With Toekomstpro(o)f, an initiative by VCP and De Unie, you can regain a sense of calm and clarity during these uncertain times. Together with an experienced coach, you’ll explore your potential, skills and aspirations, so that you’re well prepared for your next step.

And the best bit? It’s completely free! Toekomstpro(o)f is part of a nationwide government initiative to prevent unemployment. This programme is open to everyone, whether or not they are a member of De Unie.

Become certain of your future? Sign up for Future-Proof today.!

I am unemployed
That's annoying enough already. That's why we're happy to help you with your questions about income. Whether you need information, advice or representation: our legal specialists know everything about social security and ensure you won't be faced with unpleasant surprises.

It can be quite difficult to know exactly what you're entitled to and which rules apply when. We'll help you with everything surrounding your unemployment benefit: from checking your entitlement to benefits to calculating the amount with this tool, The duration and associated terms and conditions will be disclosed. We will also review your old employment terms for any potential additions or arrangements and provide sample letters so that you do not miss anything.

Light

  • Updates on your work, collective labour agreement & sector
  • Light Help with work, benefits & income
  • Newsletter

Complete/extra

  • Updates on your work, collective labour agreement & sector
  • Complete Help with work, benefits & income
  • Newsletter
  • Exclusive member benefits
  • Useful calculation tools and sample letters
  • Legal advice and support
  • Understanding your pension
  • Help and advice with your benefit
  • Input into your employment terms

As a Full or Extra Member of De Unie, you are entitled to comprehensive legal assistance regarding work, benefits and income.
Please note: you can make this claim from three months' membership. See also Article 25 of our house rules.

FAQ

What is a WW benefit?
A WW benefit is a temporary safety net for loss of income where you are not involuntarily unemployed. Reasons for a WW benefit include dismissal due to reorganisation or a fixed-term contract that is not renewed. WW stands for Werkloosheidswet (Unemployment Law). Whether you are eligible for a WW benefit depends on a number of factors. These factors will be named in the next question.

What can I expect when I apply for a WIA benefit?
Are you still ill after 88 weeks? Then you will receive an application form from the UWV. As an employee, you must apply for the WIA benefit yourself from the UWV. This completed application, with all the necessary information, must be received by the UWV no later than the 93rd week of illness.

The UWV then assesses whether the reintegration activities have been carried out properly. If the UWV believes that your employer has not made sufficient effort for your reintegration, the UWV may impose a wage sanction of up to 1 year on your employer. This means your employer will be obliged to continue paying your wages for a maximum of 1 year. Dismissal after two years of illness is not possible in this case.

How long can I receive unemployment benefits?
How long you can receive a supplementary unemployment benefit (WW-uitkering) depends on your situation. To assess how long you are entitled to a WW-uitkering, it is first determined whether you meet the 'week requirement' (wekeneis). If you meet the week requirement, you are definitely entitled to a basic benefit of 3 months. After the week requirement, the 'year requirement' (jareneis) is considered. If you also meet the year requirement, your WW-uitkering may be extended. The total duration for which you are entitled to a WW-uitkering depends on your employment history.

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