Available for Work in Amsterdam

Available for Work in Amsterdam

Available for work is an essential requirement for a WW benefit, particularly relevant for Amsterdam residents who become unemployed in this vibrant city. It means you can start a job immediately, actively apply for positions, and remain open to suitable work that aligns with your skills, health, and personal circumstances. In Amsterdam, with its diverse job market, this is crucial to maintaining your benefit.

Legal Basis

The rules on available for work are set out in the Unemployment Act (WW), specifically Article 13 WW. A jobseeker must be immediately available for work suited to their capacity for work. The zone of suitability is detailed in Article 13, subsections 2 and 3 WW: during the initial phase (first two months), a broader zone applies (up to 10% lower pay and hours), followed by stricter criteria (maximum 5% lower). For Amsterdam WW recipients, the UWV rigorously verifies compliance, with disputes potentially referred to the District Court of Amsterdam.

The Participation Act applies to social assistance benefits, but WW falls under the WW. The UWV assesses your availability upon application and periodically thereafter. Non-compliance may result in sanctions, such as a wage sanction of 50% to 100% (Article 28 WW).

What Does Being Available for Work Entail?

Be immediately available: no unapproved vacations, and flexible with schedules and locations – ideal in Amsterdam thanks to its excellent public transport network. Actively job searching is mandatory, typically at least 4 times per month as prescribed by the UWV. Suitable work follows the zone of suitability:

• First 2 months of WW: jobs with max. 10% lower salary and hours, within reasonable commuting time (up to 3 hours, easily manageable from Amsterdam-Noord to Zuidoost).
• Thereafter: max. 5% lower pay, tailored to your background and education.

Do you have a side gig as a self-employed person? That's allowed, as long as salaried employment takes priority. Students or retirees face additional conditions, taking into account Amsterdam's part-time work culture.

Zone of Suitability Overview

Practical Examples from Amsterdam

Example 1: Jan (45), former manager at an Amsterdam bank (€4,000 salary), must apply for jobs from €3,600 in months 1-2. Refusing an assistant role (€3,500) near Central Station risks his benefit. After two months: €3,800 minimum.

Example 2: Marie, pregnant in Amsterdam-Oost, remains available for part-time work. UWV makes temporary adjustments; post-birth, care leave applies briefly, but prompt availability is key.

Example 3: Tom, self-employed in Amsterdam hospitality alongside WW, complies by prioritizing salaried jobs and applying weekly via local portals. Otherwise, the benefit stops.

Exceptions in Practice

Full availability is not always required:

• Illness: Report immediately to UWV for possible sickness benefits (Sickness Benefits).
• Care leave: Up to 6 weeks per year via UWV.
• Study: Must not hinder job applications.
• Holiday: Max. 4 weeks/year with UWV approval, perfect for a city trip from Schiphol.

Rights and Obligations

Rights:

1. UWV intake and employment conditions plan (AVP).
2. File an objection (within 4 weeks, possibly to District Court Amsterdam).
3. Reintegration support via UWV or Municipality of Amsterdam.

Obligations:

1. Log job search activities in UWV's IKK portal.
2. Retain proof of applications (job ID, responses).
3. Report changes, such as moving within Amsterdam.

Frequently Asked Questions

Tips for Amsterdam Residents

Avoid issues:

• Document thoroughly: Save emails, UWV letters.
• Use UWV portal: Update weekly.
• Seek help: Reintegration coach or Apply for WW.
• Legal advice: For sanctions, visit Legal Aid Office Amsterdam for free consultations.
• Network locally: LinkedIn, agencies in Zuidas, job fairs at RAI.

Read also: Apply for WW, WW Wage Sanction, Zone of Suitability.