Applying for exemption from the obligation to look for work while receiving unemployment benefit (WW)
If you are receiving unemployment benefit (WW), you have an obligation to look for work. This means that you must apply for suitable work. It may be possible to be exempted from the obligation to look for work, for example if you are a carer. Being a carer means that you are caring for a sick or disabled person in your immediate family. In that case, you are temporarily exempted from having to look for work.
Last updated on 17 May 2021
Exemption from the obligation to look for work
You may be eligible for exemption from the obligation to look for work (in Dutch) if:
- you are a carer;
- you are suddenly faced with a serious crisis in your private life. This could be a death in the family or a serious illness.
In consultation with your UWV work advisor, you may be exempted from the obligation to look for work for a maximum of six months.
Applying for an exemption from the obligation to look for work
Please contact your UWV work advisor to apply for an exemption from the obligation to look for work. You can do this via the Werkmap webpage (in Dutch) on the UWV website.
Laws and regulations (in Dutch)
Law on unemployment, Article 24
Decree on exemption from obligations under the Law on social security