PAWW FOR NON-NATIVE SPEAKERS.
A lot of the information about PAWW is in Dutch, but the benefits aren’t only for those who speak Dutch. On this page, you’ll find everything you need to know about PAWW, including whether you qualify and how to apply.
Need help? Scroll to the bottom of the page to see where you can get assistance.
PAWW. What is it?
PAWW is an extra insurance in case of long-term unemployment or illness.
More than 2 million employees in The Netherlands are automatically insured through their collective labor agreement (CAO). So, there is a good chance that you are insured through PAWW as well. If you are, you pay a small monthly premium through your salary. You can find this on your payslip.
When does PAWW come in play?
In The Netherlands, you can receive benefits when you lose your job or when you are unable to (fully) work due to long-term illness.
In this case, you may first receive WW or WGA-benefits through UWV. UWV is the Dutch organization that provides these benefits. Usually, depending on your situation, these benefits last for a maximum of 2 years.
When these benefits end, you may qualify for an additional benefit through PAWW. Whether you qualify depends on several conditions, including how many years you have worked in The Netherlands (at least 10 years).
Check if you qualify for PAWW
You may qualify for PAWW if:
- You have reached the maximum duration of your WW or WGA-benefit through UWV.
- Your most recent employer participated in the PAWW scheme.
- You have worked for at least 10 years for one or multiple employers that are registered in The Netherlands.
At our website you can easily check whether you qualify. Click here to check.
Please note: the check is currently only available in Dutch.
How to apply for PAWW
1. Check if your most recent employer or collective labor agreement (cao) is connected to PAWW. You can do the check here.
2. Do you meet the requirements listed above? Then you can officially apply for PAWW. We advise you to apply for PAWW one month before your WW or WGA benefit ends.
3. Any questions? Feel free to contact us by phone (+316884044607) or through the contact form on our website.
If you don’t speak Dutch well, please seek help with your application (see below for some tips on who to ask).
What documents do you need?
During your application you will be asked to hand in a set of documents to support your application. You will have to show evidence of receiving the WW or WGA-benefit from UWV. After submitting your application, you’ll receive a response from us within 6 weeks.
Length of the PAWW scheme
The PAWW scheme ensures that you may continue receiving financial support after your WW or WGA benefit ends. Depending on your situation, you may receive PAWW up to 14 months.
Don’t be afraid to ask for help
Unfortunately, the application for the PAWW-benefit can only be made in Dutch. If you do not speak the language, seek help with your application. For example, with:
- The person or institution that previously helped you apply for your WW or WGA benefit at UWV.
- The Landendesk of the FNV. Go to www.fnv.nl and click on the globe at the top left to change the language.
- Your HR contact.
- Friends or (ex)-colleagues.
We are also very happy to help with any questions. You can contact us by phone (+316884044607) or through the contact form on our website.