The Arizona government has determined new unemployment rules, which will cause many employees to lose their right to unemployment benefits.
This government is taking away the income of tens of thousands of job seekers, without providing an alternative, guidance, or correct information.
The ABVV fundamentally disagrees with this brutal saving at the expense of the people.
But you are not alone: your union will not abandon you. We want to inform you as completely as possible, so that you know what you can expect in the coming months.
Will I lose my benefits?
As a payment institution, we have no insight into this. The RVA sends the letters to the people who will be excluded. This will happen in different phases, according to these rules:
- 15/9/’25: for people who have been unemployed for more than 20 years and will be excluded on 1/1/2026.ATTENTION: those who receive a Professional Integration Allowance as a school leaver and have been doing so for more than 12 months, will also be excluded from unemployment benefits on 1/1/2026.
- 15/10/’25: for people who have been unemployed for more than 8 years (less than 20 years) and will be excluded on 1/3/2026.
- 15/11/’25: for people who have been unemployed for more than 2 years (less than 8 years) and will be excluded on 1/4/2026.
Why am I losing my benefits?
The government has decided that everyone who has been fully unemployed for more than 2 years will be excluded. This happens in phases:
- Those who have been unemployed for more than 20 years will be excluded on 1/1/2026.
- Those who have been unemployed for more than 8 years (and less than 20 years) will be excluded on 1/3/2026.
- Those who have been unemployed for more than 2 years (and less than 8 years) will be excluded on 1/4/2026.
For those who are older than 55 and meet certain conditions, an exception may be possible.
Who makes the effective decision?
The decision was made by the ARIZONA government through the program law. The RVA executes this decision and informs people about it via a letter.
After the RVA’s execution, the ABVV also receives a list of the ABVV members who will be suspended. Only then do we know who is affected. We have no influence on this decision.
How long do I have to work to be (re)entitled to benefits?
To be entitled to unemployment benefits, one must be able to prove 312 days (= 1 year) of worked days in a period of 36 months (= 3 years). In addition to effective worked days, equivalent days are also counted:
What counts:
- Statutory vacation days
- Public holidays
- Maternity, birth and adoption leave, foster care
- Temporary unemployment
- Compensatory leave
- Days of strike or lock-out
- Incapacity for work with guaranteed pay
What does NOT count:
- Waiting day
- Frost days without temporary unemployment
- Absence without pay
- Sickness and disability benefits
- Work accident or occupational disease benefits
How long am I entitled to benefits?
- If you have worked long enough (312 days), you are entitled to 12 months (1 year)
- For every 4 months worked, you are entitled to 1 extra month of benefits
- You must therefore have worked for at least 5 years to be entitled to a maximum duration of 24 months (2 years).
Can I get an exception?
There are a limited number of exceptions to enjoy unemployment benefits for longer than 2 years. Those who belong to these groups do not need to do anything, the exception is activated automatically.
These are the groups:
- 55+ with sufficient professional experience (min. 30 years in 2025) – this calculation is done by RVA.
- Specific professional groups: longshoremen, sea fishermen, fish unloaders and fish sorters.
- Art workers
- Protection benefits (non-referable recognized job seekers)
- SWT/Early retirement
Do I have to remain registered with the VDAB?
Yes, especially if you want to enjoy unemployment benefits or a subsistence income in the future.
What if I can’t find a job? Who will help me find a job?
For this you can contact the VDAB. You can find all contact details via VDAB.BE/contact or call 0800 30 700
Can I get another income through the union?
No – if you have no other income, you can register with the OCMW for a subsistence income application.
Contact your local OCMW for this (https://www.ocmw-hulp.be/ocmw-vinden).
Also contact the local CAW (Center for General Welfare) if you need general help as a result of the suspension of your unemployment benefits. At www.caw.be you can find the center in your area.
How should I pay my bills now??
If you have problems paying all the bills, the OCMW of your municipality can help you with that.
Contact your local OCMW for this (https://www.ocmw-hulp.be/ocmw-vinden).
Also contact the local CAW (Center for General Welfare) if you need general help as a result of the suspension of your unemployment benefits. At www.caw.be you can find the center in your area.
What if I’m sick? I can’t work because of my health.
Contact your doctor. After this has been confirmed by your doctor, your health insurance fund will help you with the administrative side of things.
Can I follow a training course and keep my benefits?
The government provides an exception that anyone who started a training course for a shortage occupation before January 1, 2026 can still keep their unemployment benefits, even if they have been unemployed for more than 2 years.
Inquire with the VDAB. You can find all contact details via VDAB.BE/contact or call 0800 30 700
Can I object to this decision?
Yes.
The ABVV is appealing this decision for all its members to the constitutional court. You don’t have to do anything yourself for this; our legal services will take the necessary initiatives and try to reverse this government decision.
60 years or older?
You may be eligible for early retirement. You can check your earliest retirement date via mypension.be or call the pension service at 1765.
Make your appointment here: |