Sabbatical during unemployment benefits? Discover the rules!

Questioner

Can I take a sabbatical period after unemployment benefits have been applied for and awarded? If so, what are the consequences for the sabbatical period and afterwards (amount of benefits, entitlement to benefits, etc.)

Lawyer

You want to go on a long trip and then use your benefits again. The Unemployment Act does not have a specific sabbatical scheme. Based on the fact that you must be available for the - Dutch - labour market during your unemployment, I doubt whether the benefits agency will give permission for a long absence outside the Netherlands. The WW has a standard scheme for 20 days of holiday per year. http://www.uwv.nl/Particulieren/internationaal/ Benefit_naar_buitenland/met_ww- Benefit_buitenland/index.aspx I advise you to inquire about this - preferably in writing - with the UWV.

Lawyer

If you are not available for the labour market you must report this to the UWV. In general, you must report yourself available again within 26 weeks after the benefit has stopped, otherwise your right to unemployment benefit will expire.