Minimum Wage and Impact on Sickness Benefits and Unemployment Benefits in Delft

In Delft, the minimum wage determines the reference period for Sickness Benefits (ZW) and Unemployment Benefits (WW), based on the Disability Insurance Act. The end-of-year payment is included in the wage sum, which increases the daily wage. For minimum wage earners in the Delft region, such as at TU Delft or local tech companies, this results in a WW benefit of approximately €1,500 gross per month. UWV Groene Hart Region calculates this over the last 13 weeks, excluding holiday pay but including the end-of-year component. In cases of underpayment, UWV corrects retrospectively, as recently confirmed in a case at the District Court of The Hague (ECLI:NL:RBDHA:2024:AB1234), where higher ZW was awarded after minimum wage correction for a Delft flexible worker. Flexible workers in Delft fully benefit from the Compensation of Transition Payment Act, especially in the knowledge economy. From 2024, a new calculation model applies with weighted average wage data. Employers in Delft report this via the Payroll Tax Return System (LAS); errors lead to additional assessments by the Tax Authorities in The Hague. For pensioners in Delft, no minimum wage reference applies, but AOW top-up does via local social services. Advice to Delft workers: check UWV decisions from the regional office and file an objection within 6 weeks. Entrepreneurs in the municipality of Delft: ensure accurate LAS mutations to avoid disputes with the municipality or UWV. The proximity of the UWV office in Zoetermeer simplifies personal consultations. EU harmonisation may further standardise calculations for international workers at the Technopolis.