Fri, 10 February 2012
| Index | Last | Var.(%) |
|---|---|---|
| BEL 20 | 2235.74 | -1.54 |
| DAX | 6677.3 | -1.64 |
| IBEX 30 | 8784.3 | -1.32 |
| CAC 40 | 3380.5 | -1.29 |
| FTSE 100 | 5850.22 | -0.77 |
| AEX | 320.82 | -1.32 |
| DJIA | 12890.46 | 0.05 |
| Nasdaq | 2927.23 | 0.39 |
| FTSE MIB | 16430.62 | -1.34 |
| TSX Composite | 12497.94 | -0.18 |
| ASX | 4322.6 | -0.79 |
| Hang seng | 20783.86 | -1.08 |
| Straits Times | 2960 | -0.71 |
| ISEQ 20 | 502.17 | -0.31 |
Text size
The Dutch social security system is one of the most comprehensive in Europe but access to the welfare system is becoming more restrictive.There are three strands: National Insurance administered by the social insurance bank (www.svb.nl) which includes old age pension (AOW) and child benefit (AKW); Employee Insurance including unemployment benefit (WW see below), long-term disability (WAO, WIA) and sickness (ZW); and Social Assistance. Specific conditions apply to each benefit. Also, do check that your residence rights are not affected if you apply for benefits.
Your official documents will need to be in good order: Consult the Ministry of Social Affairs and Welfare website (www.szw.nl) for more information.
Unemployment benefit (WW)
Your employment history will determine the amount and duration of payments. It comprises the first two months at 75 percent and thereafter 70 percent, of your last earned salary (there's a maximum daily rate of EUR 188.88). You must have worked in 26 out of the previous 36 weeks before the first day of unemployment. It can be restricted if other benefits are in operation. You apply for benefit at the UWV Werkbedrijf (www.werk.nl). Consult the Institute for Employee Benefit Schemes website (www.uwv.nl) for more information.
Voluntary work
A volunteer is a vrijwilliger and there are many opportunities depending on your skills. Expat advice centre ACCESS is always on the lookout for volunteers in its offices in Amsterdam and Den Haag.
Updated April 2011 by Sanne van Ruitenbeek of Pallas Advocaten.
A guide to telephone, internet and television along with utility services water, electricity and gas in the Netherlands.
Lost in the Dutch immigration system? Look no further than this guide compiled for our Survival Guide 2012.
Expatica offers a whistle-stop tour of life in the modern Netherlands.
The challenges and benefits of the maternity system in the Netherlands and how it differs to other countries.
Twitter
LinkedIn
Facebook
Flickr
0
