Made redundant, what now? If you have just heard that your job is ending, it is only natural to feel shaken. Yet this is also the moment to act calmly and deliberately. In this article we walk through your first steps after dismissal: catching your breath, checking your settlement agreement, reviewing your rights and payment, applying for WW, and starting the search for new work. That way you stay in control.
Feeling uncertain is part of the process, but you do not have to rush anything. You almost always have time to think, and a calm, practical approach delivers the best results. Below you can read what to arrange, step by step.
Made redundant, what now? Your first steps
The very first step is to take a breath. Dismissal often feels personal, and that is normal. You do not have to sign any document immediately. If you are presented with a settlement agreement (vaststellingsovereenkomst), do not let anyone pressure you into signing straight away. After signing you even have a statutory reflection period of fourteen days.
Then check carefully what is on the table. Is the notice period correct? Is the reason worded neutrally? Is there a payment? These details determine your WW and your financial room. It pays to have the text reviewed, because your WW-uitkering bij ontslag (unemployment benefit after dismissal) can be jeopardised by one unfortunate sentence. Also gather your payslips, employment contract and dismissal letter, so you do not have to search for them later.
Discuss your situation with someone you trust, and seek professional advice if needed. Getting an overview before you make decisions prevents regret afterwards. Only once you know where you stand should you take the next steps.
Made redundant and your rights: WW and transition payment
If you are made redundant, you are often entitled to two important things: a WW unemployment benefit and a transition payment (transitievergoeding). WW is a temporary benefit from UWV for when you become unemployed through no fault of your own. You usually receive it after business-economic dismissal or when a fixed-term contract is not renewed. Conditions include meeting the weeks requirement and actively applying for jobs. Apply for WW in time, at the latest in the week after you become unemployed.
The transition payment is a statutory payment your employer makes on dismissal. Its amount depends on your salary and years of service. In 2026 the maximum transition payment is €102,000, or one gross annual salary if that is higher. Want to know roughly where you land? Use our tool to calculate your transition payment, so you plan with a realistic figure.
Note that the transition payment is separate from your WW: it does not count as salary and generally does not reduce your benefit. It does help determine your financial buffer for the period while you look for new work.
Getting started with new work after dismissal
After the initial shock comes the most important question: what do you want now? Dismissal is unpleasant, but it can also be a chance to think about the direction that truly fits you. Take a moment to decide which roles, sectors and working conditions give you energy. A clear picture of your goal makes applying much more focused.
Next, work on your foundations: an up-to-date CV, a strong LinkedIn profile and good interview preparation. Build a steady weekly rhythm of searching vacancies, networking and following up. Those who search in a structured way find suitable work faster than those who wait. If you get stuck or do not know where to begin, an outplacement programme can help you with a coach who thinks along with you.
Do not forget your network: many jobs are found through people you already know. Let former colleagues, friends and industry contacts know you are available and be specific about the role you are looking for. Feel free to ask whether they can refer you or introduce you to interesting employers. Combine that with targeted applications for vacancies that genuinely fit you, and you increase your chances considerably. Keep track of the actions you take, so you keep an overview and can adjust if something is not working.
Support with dismissal: how outplacement helps
You do not have to get through the period after dismissal on your own. Outplacement is professional work-to-work guidance, where a coach helps you find a suitable new job faster. Together you work on your profile, your search strategy and your interview skills, while also giving space to processing the dismissal.
Employers often offer such a programme as part of the exit, or you can negotiate it in your settlement agreement. Care4Careers guides you personally, with a tailored approach and an eye for your situation. This reduces the time you depend on a benefit and helps you take the next step with confidence.
Made redundant, what now? Start at the beginning, take the time to check your rights, and seek help where you can. Want to know how outplacement helps you further? Explore our outplacement guidance or get in touch for a no-obligation conversation.