ACCESS NL > Leaving the Netherlands > Due to Covid-19, my contract has been cancelled and now I am unemployed. Am I eligible to claim [unemployment] benefits?

Leaving the Netherlands

Do I need to deregister with the municipality before I leave the Netherlands?

What happens to my DigiD? Does everything get deactivated?

I have left before deregistering with the municipality - What should I do?

I have a Dutch bank account. Do I need to close it before I leave?

What should I do with my Dutch car?

What do I need to do with my rental property when I leave?

What options do I have with property that I own?

How do I sort out my utilities commitments before I leave?

How do I end my Dutch telephone contract agreements

How do I end my TV/internet contract agreements?

What should I do with things I can’t sell?

Who should I contact for help with moving house?

How do I sort out my tax situation?

As I am now leaving the Netherlands, can I get a tax rebate?

The country that I am moving to requires me to provide a translation of official documents which are in Dutch (birth certificate, marriage certificate, etc.). How do I do this?

For how long does my passport need to be valid for me to be able to leave and enter another country?

Will I still receive social security benefits when I leave the country?

I have Dutch health insurance. Will I still be covered once I have left the Netherlands?

Due to Covid-19, my contract has been cancelled and now I am unemployed. Am I eligible to claim [unemployment] benefits?

Those who have lost their job because of the Covid-19 pandemic can apply for unemployment benefits as temporary income while searching for new employment.

Regulations regarding unemployment benefits have not changed, so the conditions for unemployment benefits need to be met:

  • The “26 out of 36 weeks” requirement: employed for at least 26 out of the 36 weeks before the first day of unemployment
  • Under 65 years old
  • Available for work

Unemployment benefits can be requested at the Government’s Employee Insurance Agency (Uitvoeringsinstituut Werknemersverzekeringen – UWV) which will determine whether you are entitled to benefits, the amount and duration based on your previous salary, age and work history.

It is important to apply immediately upon losing a job or within one week. If the application is made later, the amount of the benefit is lower, temporarily.

The obligation to seek a suitable job remains a condition while receiving unemployment benefits during the negative economic effects of the Covid-19 pandemic. The UWV advises that you actively look for information and ways to find employment even in difficult times. It can also provide assistance in searching for work.

Information about unemployment benefits and a complete guide to applying online is on the UWV website: www.uwv.nl/particulieren/index.aspx. Both the website and application form are in Dutch, but assistance is provided in English and other languages.

If you do not qualify for unemployment benefits, you could ask for financial or other assistance from social services in your municipality. Options and conditions can be found on your municipal website.

For more information related to social benefits:

access-nl.org/relocating-to-netherlands/dutch-social-security-benefits/

Also, have a look at our articles on what to do when you lost your job because of Covid-19 and Covid-19 and how it affects your work.

I’m leaving the Netherlands and I cannot visit the town hall in person. How do I de-register during the Covid-19 pandemic?

I received a letter to collect my updated residence card. I went to the office and it was closed. How can I collect the residence card during the Covid-19 pandemic?

At this time of the Covid-19 pandemic, I would like to help in any way possible. Are there any volunteering opportunities?

Can you tell me if there is any financial support for freelancers due to lost income caused by Covid-19?

What should I do if my temporary lease ends due to Covid-19?

Can I be evicted if I lose my job?

Can Covid-19 be a ground for terminating a rental contract prematurely on my behalf?

Can Covid-19 be a ground for terminating a rental contract prematurely on my behalf?