In January of the new year, the first Wajongers who lost their jobs in 2021 will face the expiration of their right to the guarantee amount of their benefits. Since January 2021, after the introduction of the new law, the guarantee amount remains valid for 12 months after losing their job. If a Wajonger has not found a new job after those 12 months, they can no longer claim that amount. However, research by the UWV into the job finding chances of Wajongers shows that these have decreased, most likely attributable to the corona crisis. Secretary of State Wiersma has announced that all Wajongers who lost their jobs in 2021 will have until January 1, 2023, to find a new job while retaining the guarantee amount. After January 1, 2023, the twelve-month period will again apply.

The Guarantee Amount

Since January 1 of this year, the benefits of Wajongers are calculated differently. To prevent the benefits of working Wajongers from being lower due to the new calculation method, a so-called guarantee amount has been agreed upon. This means that the amount of the benefit according to the old method and according to the new method are compared side by side, and the higher of the two will always be paid out. The guarantee amount applies to Wajongers who had income from work during the entry into force of the law in December 2020 and January 2021 (a WW or WIA benefit is also included). When a Wajonger loses their job thereafter, they retain the right to this guarantee amount if they find a new job within one year.

Extension

With the extension, Wajongers who lost their jobs in 2021 now have a deadline until January 1, 2023. If the Wajonger lost their job in January of this year, they have as much as 23 months. For those who lost their job in September, there is a new deadline of 15 months. For those who lose their job in 2022, the regular 12-month period applies again.