What is the Wajong?
The Wajong (Disability Insurance for Young Disabled Persons Act) provides financial support to people who acquired a disability or illness before the age of 18 or during their studies, making work impossible. It serves as a safety net for those who have never been able to perform regular work.
Conditions for Wajong
| Criterion | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Moment of disability | Before 18th birthday or during study period |
| Work capacity | Currently or in the future unable to earn minimum wage |
| Permanence | No prospect of recovery or improvement |
Different Wajong schemes
Old versus New Wajong
- Wajong 2010: Exclusively for people without sustainable work capacity
- Old Wajong (before 2010): Broader access, benefit dependent on degree of disability
From 2015, the Wajong is limited to persons who have no work opportunities at all, permanently.
Amount of the Wajong benefit
- Maximum amount: 75% of the minimum wage
- 2024: Approximately €1,450 gross per month
- Under 21 years: Amount dependent on age
How do I apply for Wajong?
- Submit application to UWV (possible from age 17.5)
- Assessment on medical and occupational grounds
- UWV decision within 13 weeks
- If approved: benefit starts from 18th birthday
Combining Wajong with work
The UWV encourages working alongside a Wajong benefit:
- With old Wajong: income is partially offset
- Working always provides financial benefit
- Assistance available in job searching
- Possibility of guidance by a job coach
What if I become ill after my 18th birthday?
In that case, you do not fall under the Wajong, but under other schemes such as the Sickness Benefits Act or WIA.
Is a later application for Wajong possible?
Yes, if the disability arose before your 18th birthday or during your studies, but only later leads to incapacity for work, you can still apply.
Does living together affect my Wajong benefit?
No, the Wajong is a personal benefit and is not affected by your living situation.
Frequently Asked Questions about Wajong in Rijswijk
Who is eligible for a Wajong benefit?
You qualify for Wajong if your disability or illness arose before your 18th birthday or during your studies and you are therefore unable to earn the minimum wage. This must be a permanent situation. The UWV conducts a medical and occupational assessment. An application is possible from age 17.5.
What are the differences between old and new Wajong?
The old Wajong (before 2010) had more lenient criteria and a benefit based on the degree of incapacity for work. The new Wajong (from 2010) is only for those who have no work capacity at all, permanently. From 2015, the rules became even stricter.
Can I work with a Wajong benefit?
Yes, working is encouraged. With the old Wajong, income is partially offset, but it remains advantageous. Assistance such as a job coach is available. Contact the UWV for tailored advice.
What is the amount of the Wajong benefit in 2024?
In 2024, the maximum benefit is approximately €1,450 gross per month, i.e. 75% of the minimum wage. For young people under 21, an age-dependent amount applies.
Help and advice in Rijswijk
For questions or support with applying for a Wajong benefit, you can go to the Juridisch Loket Rijswijk. In addition, the District Court of The Hague (district) handles any legal disputes regarding benefits in this region.