Welfare system & Social security

The aim of social security in the Netherlands is to provide an income for all those for whom it is not possible (or no longer possible) to support themselves independently by working. The underlying principle is that people who are affected by unemployment, invalidity or illness must be given the opportunity to exercise their political and civic rights on an equal footing.

Social security in the Netherlands can be divided into schemes:

• Volksverzekeringen (national social security) which applies to all residents of the Netherlands where benefits are not related to salary levels.
• Werknemersverzekering (employee social security) is restricted to employees; benefits are related to the level of pay earned, and are payable in the event of loss of income due to illness (after 2 years), permanent disability for work, and unemployment. 

For more detailed information regarding Social Security, head to Taxation & Insurance.