Imagine an IT employee in an office building along the A12 becomes unemployed in 2026. The daily bicycle commute along the local paths from the residential neighbourhood to the workplace comes to an abrupt end. From 1 July 2026 the Unemployment Insurance Act (Werkloosheidswet) will be substantially amended, with reduced bureaucracy and faster payments as the principal objectives.
Faster first payment
Integration with payroll systems enables the UWV to transfer the first WW benefit within two weeks. This represents a significant improvement compared with the current four to eight weeks. For commuters travelling via the A12 to Den Haag, this prevents acute financial difficulties after dismissal.
Simplified daily wage calculation
The daily wage will henceforth be based on the average over the last twelve months. Holiday allowance is included as standard, one-off bonuses are spread, and the maximum daily wage rises to € 287.50. Seasonal workers no longer require a separate calculation.
More lenient supplementary earnings threshold
The former rule whereby every euro earned led to an immediate reduction disappears. Up to forty per cent of the previous wage may be earned without full deduction. Only the excess is offset. This lowers the threshold for part-time return to work.
Adjusted job-application obligation
Employees over sixty with at least thirty years of employment history receive a lighter obligation. The UWV draws up a personal plan with the employee, allowing scope for coaching and retraining instead of monthly application quotas.
What remains unchanged?
The duration of the benefit remains dependent on employment history: minimum three, maximum twenty-four months. In the event of summary dismissal (ontslag op staande voet), the culpability test (verwijtbaarheidstoets) of the Rechtbank Den Haag continues to apply.
Preparation for employers
- Verify HR systems for compatibility with the new UWV link
- Have settlement agreements (vaststellingsovereenkomsten) containing WW provisions reviewed by a specialist
- Inform staff in good time of the new supplementary earnings rules
Practical steps for employees
Do you become unemployed after 1 July 2026? The new rules apply immediately. Ongoing benefits will be converted, usually to your advantage. Free initial advice is available from Juridisch Loket Zoetermeer. For a personal consultation you may also contact the Arslan office at Argonstraat 26, 2718 SN Zoetermeer (070 - 4500 300).