The WGA Benefit Explained for Residents of Rijswijk

The WGA Benefit Explained for Residents of Rijswijk

The WGA benefit (Work Resumption for Partially Able Workers) forms part of the Work and Income According to Capacity Act (WIA) and supports employees in Rijswijk who are partially incapacitated for work after two years of illness but can still work to a limited extent. This article provides an overview of the WGA for Rijswijk residents, focusing on eligibility, benefits, and tips, including local resources such as the Rijswijk Legal Aid Office.

What Does the WGA Benefit Entail for Rijswijk?

Under social security, the WGA applies to individuals with a lasting but not full limitation in work capacity. After the two-year period of sick pay continuation, the UWV assesses incapacity for work. If the incapacity rate is between 35% and 80%, you qualify for the WGA in Rijswijk, unlike the IVA for those who are fully and permanently incapacitated. The benefit promotes return to work: it supplements wages and encourages employers to retain staff. For a broader understanding of the WIA, see our article on WIA benefit and incapacity for work. In Rijswijk, the Municipality of Rijswijk offers additional reintegration support.

Legal Basis of the WGA in Rijswijk

The WGA is enshrined in the WIA, effective from 1 January 2006 as the successor to the WAO. Key provisions include:

• Article 43 WIA: Grants entitlement to WGA for 35% or more incapacity for work, excluding permanent full incapacity.
• Article 44 WIA: Provides for the wage-related benefit in the initial years, linked to previous salary.
• Article 45 WIA: Regulates the follow-up benefit after that period, based on 70% of the minimum wage plus work income.

The Social and Economic Council (SER) advises on policy, while the UWV handles implementation. Changes, such as the extended sick pay obligation to 104 weeks under the Extension of Wage Continuation in Illness Act, affect WGA inflows for Rijswijk residents. For questions on regional application, consult the Rijswijk Legal Aid Office for free legal advice.

Types of WGA Benefits for Rijswijk Employees

Three main types of WGA benefit depend on your circumstances:

1. Wage-Related WGA Benefit: For the first two years after the WIA assessment. This is 70% of your former wage (up to the maximum daily wage), serving as a bridge to reintegration.
2. Wage Supplement Benefit: Following the wage-related phase, if income falls below 50% of the old wage. The UWV tops it up to 70% of the minimum wage, provided you seek work and reintegrate in Rijswijk.
3. Follow-Up Benefit: If wage supplementation ends (e.g., due to higher income) but later decreases, you can temporarily apply for a follow-up benefit to resume work.

Overview of benefits:

Examples of WGA Application in Rijswijk

Consider a 45-year-old accountant from Rijswijk with back issues: after two years of illness, he can handle 40% of his work. The UWV assesses 50% incapacity, resulting in a €1,500 gross wage-related benefit (70% of €2,143 old wage). With a part-time job of 20 hours (€800), you retain an adjusted benefit for reintegration efforts, possibly with help from local job coaches via the Municipality of Rijswijk.

Or a nurse in Rijswijk with chronic fatigue: after assessment, she earns €1,200 in adapted work, below the 65% threshold. She receives wage supplementation up to €1,400 (70% minimum wage). Failure to apply for jobs may lead to suspension by the UWV. Transitioning from Sickness Benefit to WGA without a permanent contract? Apply via UWV; Rijswijk employees often experience smooth transitions with regional support.

Rights and Obligations under WGA for Rijswijk

Rights:

• Financial support alongside work income.
• Reintegration guidance from UWV, including coaching; in Rijswijk via local partners.
• Dismissal protection: employers require UWV permission.
• Objection and appeal against UWV decisions within 6 weeks, possibly at the District Court of Rijswijk (see Objection to UWV decision).

Obligations:

• Cooperate in work resumption, such as job applications and training in the region.
• Report changes in income or health to UWV immediately.
• Avoid fraud; sanctions include recovery and fines up to 100% of the benefit.

Employers in Rijswijk must draw up reintegration plans (Article 23 Gatekeeper Improvement Act) to prevent WGA inflow. For personal advice: the Rijswijk Legal Aid Office is ready to assist.

Frequently Asked Questions about the WGA Benefit