Sickness Benefits for Flex Workers and Temporary Agency Workers in Rijswijk
The Sickness Benefits Act (ZW) forms an important safety net for employees in Rijswijk who become ill and have no employer who continues to pay their wages. This is particularly relevant for flex workers, temporary agency workers, and people with a temporary contract.
Who Qualifies for Sickness Benefits?
A Sickness Benefits payment is possible if:
- Your temporary employment contract ends during illness
- You become ill as a temporary agency worker
- You work as an on-call worker without a permanent employment relationship
- You are unemployed and become ill (from a WW benefit)
- You are pregnant or have recently given birth
- You are an organ donor
- You fall under a no-risk policy
End of Continued Wage Payment
In a permanent employment relationship, your employer is obliged to continue paying at least 70% of your wages for 2 years. In a temporary contract, this obligation ends as soon as the contract expires.
Practical Example
Suppose your contract runs until 1 July and you become ill on 1 April. Your employer pays your wages until 1 July. If you are still ill after that, you can claim Sickness Benefits from the UWV.
How Much is the Sickness Benefits Payment?
| Period | Percentage of Daily Wage |
|---|---|
| First 52 weeks | 70% |
| Weeks 53 to 104 | 70% |
A maximum daily wage applies, and the benefit is never lower than the minimum wage.
How Do You Apply for Sickness Benefits?
Step 1: Report Illness
Report your illness to your employer or temporary agency. If your contract ends, you must report sick to the UWV.
Step 2: Submit Application
Submit your application for Sickness Benefits via Mijn UWV, no later than 3 days after the end of your contract.
Step 3: Start of the Benefit
There is no waiting period; the benefit starts immediately after your contract expires.
Specific Rules for Temporary Agency Workers
For temporary agency workers in Rijswijk, adapted rules apply:
- In the first 78 weeks of illness, the temporary agency sometimes continues payment, otherwise you enter Sickness Benefits
- The Collective Labour Agreement for Temporary Agency Workers determines the precise conditions
- With a temporary agency clause, your contract ends and you receive Sickness Benefits
- Without a temporary agency clause, the agency continues payment
Sickness Benefits and Pregnancy
Pregnant women have specific rights:
- Maternity leave: 4 to 6 weeks before the due date
- Childbirth leave: At least 10 weeks after birth
- Benefit amounts to 100% of the daily wage
- Also after contract end, entitled to full benefit
No-Risk Policy in Rijswijk
Employees with a no-risk policy can receive Sickness Benefits payment when ill. This applies inter alia to:
- Persons who were already ill at the start of their employment
- Employees with a WIA benefit who return to work
- Wajong benefit recipients
- Older unemployed persons (56+) who start working from WW
The employer pays the wages but receives reimbursement via Sickness Benefits.
Obligations with a Sickness Benefits Payment
As a recipient of a Sickness Benefits payment, you must meet certain requirements:
- Reachability: The UWV must be able to contact you
- Promote recovery: Follow necessary treatments
- Reintegration: Actively work towards return to the labour market
- Control appointments: Attend the insurance doctor
- Report changes: Immediately report recovery, new work, or moving
Possible Sanctions
Failure to comply with obligations may lead to sanctions from the UWV:
- Reduction of the benefit (5-100%)
- Temporary suspension
- Definitive termination
Transition from Sickness Benefits to WIA
If you are still ill after 104 weeks (2 years), it is assessed whether you qualify for a WIA benefit. Sickness Benefits ends and you transition to:
- WGA (35-80% disabled for work)
- IVA (80-100% permanently disabled for work)
- No benefit (less than 35% disabled for work)
Sickness Benefits and WW in Rijswijk
If you have a WW benefit and become ill:
- The first 13 weeks your WW benefit continues
- After 13 weeks you receive a Sickness Benefits payment
- Upon recovery, your WW resumes for the remaining period
Objection and Appeal at The Hague District Court
Disagree with a decision on your Sickness Benefits payment? You can:
- File objection: Within 6 weeks with the UWV
- Lodge appeal: Within 6 weeks at The Hague District Court
For legal support, you can contact the Rijswijk Legal Advice Centre.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the maximum duration of a Sickness Benefits payment?
The benefit lasts a maximum of 104 weeks (2 years), or until you have recovered.
Does Sickness Benefits count towards WW rights?
No, periods in Sickness Benefits do not count towards the accrual of WW rights.