The earliest earliest you can apply for an unemployment benefit is 1 week before the first day of your unemployment. Make sure you apply no later than 1 week after the first day of your unemployment. You will be able to check the status of your application via Mijn UWV.

To apply, log into Mijn UWV so that you can access and complete the ‘Unemployment benefit application form’ (‘aanvragen WW-uitkering’). You will need a DigiD account to do this.

Some of the information we need for your application is already available in our system. We will ask you to provide us with any additional information we need. Make sure you keep the following close to hand when completing the ‘Unemployment benefit application form’:

• your most recent payslip (‘loonstrook’) 
• your most recent employment contract (‘arbeidscontract’)
• your bank account number

You will also need to let us know the date on which you will become unemployed.

You will receive a decision about your application within 4 weeks of your first day of unemployment. The decision letter will tell you whether you qualify for the unemployment benefit and how long you will receive it for.