Volunteering while receiving benefits: what’s allowed?
Unemployment Benefit (WW) and Volunteering
Anyone receiving a WW benefit (unemployment benefit) may undertake voluntary work, provided it meets two conditions:
- The volunteer work must not hamper reintegration and availability on the labour market. The volunteer should remain available for interviews and for suitable work.
- The work is unpaid, or the expense reimbursements remain within the statutory limits.
The volunteer must report their volunteering to the UWV. If they do not, they risk a sanction. As an organisation you cannot enforce this, but it is wise to point it out at the outset.
Social Welfare Benefit (Participation Act)
People on a social welfare benefit may also undertake volunteer work. The municipality can even require this as a form of counter-performance. As an organisation you then work with the municipality or a reintegration agency. Important: the expense allowance must not exceed the statutory maximums (see below); otherwise it may be treated as income.
WIA / WAO / Sickness Benefit
For people with a disability income, similar rules apply. Voluntary work is permitted, provided it fits within the capacity for work assessed by the UWV. Voluntary work that exceeds the capacity can affect the assessment of the benefit.
Legal maximum expense allowance (2026)
A volunteer may receive an expense allowance without this being regarded as income, as long as the allowance remains within the following limits:
- Maximum €210 per month
- Maximum €2,100 per year
If the allowance exceeds this, the benefit-granting authority (UWV or municipality) may regard it as income and reduce the benefit. See also the rules around volunteer allowances.
What should the organisation do?
As an organisation you have a limited responsibility: you do not need to check whether someone has reported their volunteer work to their benefits authority. However, it is sensible to:
- Inform new volunteers about the reporting obligation
- Keep expense reimbursements neatly administered so volunteers have evidence if checked
- Draft a volunteer contract that makes clear that the work is unpaid
Volunteering as a Reintegration Pathway
More and more municipalities regard volunteering as part of reintegration. As a community centre or association you can work with the social services and offer volunteer placements to people who need them. That is beneficial for the volunteer and a way to grow your pool of volunteers.