Applying for disability benefits: You Don’t Have to Face This Alone
At UwVerzuimregisseur, we specialize in supporting employees like you who are dealing with chronic (progressive) illnesses such as Parkinson’s, Multiple Sclerosis (MS), Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS), Alzheimer’s, COPD, Huntington’s, Ehlers-Danlos syndrome (EDS) and Rheumatism. We act as a trusted advisor in all matters related to work, income and benefits. Since 2018, we have helped over 400 clients find clarity and peace of mind during their absenteeism and disability processes. We know firsthand the struggles that can arise after a diagnosis, and we are here to ensure you are not alone in this important phase.
Your Trusted Partner in Dutch social security
Our team acts as your advocate and guide, protecting your interests every step of the way. We understand that unfamiliarity with Dutch law and the intricacies of the WIA application can lead to stress and an increase in symptoms. That’s why having a professional by your side who truly understands the Dutch social security system and can represent your best interests is so important. We provide support with all aspects of disability benefits, including guidance through the WIA process and interactions with the UWV.
How We Support You with Disability benefits and sick pay
Our services are tailored to help you navigate disability benefits, sick pay, and the WIA application process in the Netherlands.
- Expert guidance: We provide comprehensive support throughout your WIA (Work and Income According to Work Capacity Act) process. This process protects the value of your work and simultaneously secures your future income and benefits.
- Personal advocacy: We accompany you to important appointments with the occupational health service and the UWV (Employee Insurance Agency). We thoroughly prepare you for these meetings and ensure your voice is heard.
- Financial clarity: We provide independent insight into your future net disposable income based on Dutch laws and regulations. This includes salary, statutory benefits, and pension entitlements. We take all relevant financial aspects into account and answer your specific questions related to the Dutch system. You will receive a comprehensive report as a clear and practical reference.
- Peer support: Our peers, who have personal experience with chronic conditions, offer understanding and inspire you to cope with the lasting consequences of illness and strengthen control over your own life, work, and health. They provide support in finding a new daily routine with meaningful activities that fit your evolving situation.
- Process monitoring: We monitor the progress of your WIA application and act in your interest when necessary. With our expertise, we aim to prevent stressful and costly objection procedures. In the rare event of an unexpected UWV decision, our guarantee provides free, high-quality legal support throughout the entire objection procedure by our own legal department.
Would you like personal guidance tailored to your situation? Schedule a free introductory meeting to discuss how we can support you.
Sickness Benefit (Ziektewetuitkering)
In the Netherlands, if you become ill and are unable to work, you may be entitled to Sickness Benefit (Ziektewetuitkering). Generally, your employer continues to pay at least 70% of your wages for up to 2 years (104 weeks). If your employer stops paying your wages, or if you do not have an employer, the UWV may pay you Sickness Benefit. This is typically the case if:
- You have a temporary contract that ends while you are sick.
- You become sick within 4 weeks after your employment contract has ended.
- You receive a Sickness Benefit because you are pregnant or have given birth.
- You work as a temporary agency worker (uitzendkracht).
It is important to understand that your Sickness Benefit is 70% of your daily wage, capped at the maximum statutory daily wage limit. We can help you navigate the rules surrounding Sickness Benefit and ensure you receive the support you are entitled to during your illness.
Understanding WIA Benefits: WGA and IVA
After two years (104 weeks) of illness, your employer generally no longer has to pay your wages. If you are still ill and cannot work, you may be eligible for disability benefits through a WIA benefit from the UWV. The WIA (Wet werk en inkomen naar arbeidsvermogen) includes two different types of benefits: the WGA (Partial Incapacity for Work) benefit and the IVA (Full Permanent Incapacity for Work) benefit. The type of benefit you receive depends on how much you are still able to work. We offer customized solutions and proven trajectories to ensure you receive the correct benefit for your specific situation.
WGA Benefit (Partial Incapacity for Work)
The WGA (Werkhervatting Gedeeltelijk Arbeidsgeschikten) benefit is for individuals who are partially incapacitated for work. This means the UWV determines that you are 35% to 80% unable to work, or that you are more than 80% unable to work but there is still a good chance of recovery. This benefit aims to encourage you to return to work, even if it’s for fewer hours or in a different role. Our Comprehensive WGA Trajectory is designed to ensure a secure and smooth completion of your reintegration, with full coordination of your work, income, and benefits. We discuss the possibility of continuing your employment after 104 weeks in an adjusted form, align your strategy towards the UWV accordingly, and ensure your absenteeism file is correct and complete.
IVA Benefit (Full Permanent Incapacity for Work)
The IVA (Inkomensvoorziening Volledig Arbeidsongeschikten) benefit is for individuals who are fully and permanently unable to work. This means the UWV determines you are 80% to 100% unable to work and there is little or no chance of recovery. Our Shortened IVA Trajectory ensures a smooth completion of the reintegration process and the obtaining of an (advanced) IVA benefit.
Since a WIA benefit can only be applied for once, expert guidance not only provides you with peace of mind but also significantly increases the chance of a favorable outcome with the UWV.
The Dangers of Adjusting Your Employment Contract Due to Illness
When facing a chronic progressive illness, it might seem logical to adjust your employment contract, for example, by reducing your working hours or changing your job role. However, it’s crucial to be aware of the potential long-term consequences of such adjustments, especially concerning your future WIA benefit.
If you voluntarily reduce your working hours or accept a less demanding role while ill, this could be interpreted as a ‘medical setback’ (medische afzakker) by the UWV. This means that the UWV might consider the lower income you receive after the adjustment as your new ‘healthy’ income, rather than your original, higher income. This can significantly impact the calculation of any future WIA benefit, potentially leading to a much lower benefit amount than you might expect.
It’s vital to seek expert advice before making any changes to your employment contract while you are ill. A professional can help you understand the implications of such decisions on your WIA benefit and guide you towards the best strategy to protect your financial future.
Responsibilities of Employer and Employee During Illness
Both employers and employees have specific responsibilities when an employee is ill, especially concerning reintegration efforts and adherence to the Gatekeeper Improvement Act (Wet verbetering poortwachter).
Employer responsibilities during illness:
- Adapting work and workplace: If necessary, the employer must adapt the work, the workplace, and/or the work tools for the employee. This includes offering suitable work, which may involve a different function or even a job with another employer in extreme cases.
- Regular communication: It is crucial for the employer and employee to regularly discuss the progress (e.g., every six weeks). Based on these discussions, the reintegration plan may be adjusted.
- Cooperation with experts: The employer must have a contract with an occupational health service or company doctor (basiscontract). This ensures all employees have access to a company doctor, and it’s mandatory for every company to collaborate with one.
Employee responsibilities during illness:
- Cooperation with reintegration: As an employee, you must cooperate with your reintegration efforts. Failure to do so can lead to the employer suspending your wages.
- Following rules: You must follow the employer’s absenteeism rules (verzuimprotocol), including timely reporting of sickness.
- Seeking expert opinion: If you disagree with your employer about your reintegration trajectory, you can request an expert opinion from the UWV. If you doubt the advice of the company doctor, you can request a second opinion from another company doctor.
The costs of our personal guidance with disability benefits
Our trajectories are modular and are generally paid for by the employer. For private individuals, separate modules can be purchased with a flexible payment plan. We are happy to discuss the possibilities with you.
Take the First Step Towards Peace of Mind
We know that navigating this period can be incredibly stressful, but with expert guidance, you can gain peace of mind and significantly increase your chances of a smooth procedure with the UWV.
Let us help you understand your options and ensure your rights to disability benefits are fully protected.
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