Sickness Benefits Exception for Self-Employed in Rijswijk
In Rijswijk and surrounding areas, as a self-employed person you are usually not insured for the **Sickness Benefits Act (ZW)**. However, there are specific exceptions that make entitlement to benefits in case of illness possible. Read here when you as a self-employed person (zzp'er) in Rijswijk can receive Sickness Benefits and how to apply for it via the UWV or Legal Aid Desk Rijswijk.
What does the Sickness Benefits exception for self-employed in Rijswijk entail?
The **Sickness Benefits Act (ZW)** compensates for loss of income due to illness or occupational disability. Self-employed in Rijswijk are normally not automatically insured, because they do not have an employer who pays premiums. But there are exceptions where self-employed from Rijswijk can claim a benefit.
These rules are laid down in the **Sickness Benefits Act**, **WIA** and related decrees. It concerns situations in which a self-employed person in Rijswijk is deemed economically equivalent to an employee.
Legal basis in the Den Haag region (Rijswijk)
Important laws for Sickness Benefits exceptions for self-employed:
- Sickness Benefits Act (ZW, Art. 1): Basic rules for benefits in case of illness.
- WIA (Art. 1.2): Regulates occupational disability and benefit entitlements.
- AWBZ: Supports special care costs (less directly relevant).
- Sickness Benefits Decree (BZW, Art. 1.1): Specifies conditions for self-employed.
The Sickness Benefits Decree 2004 specifies that self-employed in Rijswijk are eligible if they are economically equivalent to employees. Handled by the District Court of The Hague.
When are you eligible in Rijswijk?
Three core conditions for Sickness Benefits as a self-employed in Rijswijk:
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1. Economically equivalent to an employee
At least 12 months of premiums via national insurance schemes (AOW/ANW), plus demonstrable income from self-employed work and limited assets. Example: Rijswijk freelancer with €12,000 annual income from assignments.
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2. Occupationally disabled due to illness
Medical evidence via UWV insurance physician (AAB). Example: Rijswijk self-employed with chronic pain who cannot work.
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3. Insufficient other income
No or too low income from other sources to cover basic needs. Example: Consultant in Rijswijk without reserves due to burnout.
How to apply for Sickness Benefits in Rijswijk?
Step 1: Report illness immediately to UWV (online or 088-8989294).
Step 2: Submit application with medical information and income details.
Step 3: Await assessment (physician/examination).
Step 4: In case of rejection: lodge objection via UWV or assistance from Legal Aid Desk Rijswijk (Laan van Meerderrecht 501).
Tip: Document everything. District Court of The Hague handles appeals (Rijswijk district).
Assistance in Rijswijk
- Legal Aid Desk Rijswijk: Free advice (070-3690110).
- UWV Den Haag: Laan van Wateringsveld 1311, Rijswijk.
- District Court of The Hague: Handles disputes (Kalvermarkt 25).
Specific for Rijswijk self-employed
In Rijswijk, many self-employed report to the Legal Aid Desk for ZW applications. Due to proximity to The Hague, the procedure is efficient. Note: starters in Rijswijk often face stricter scrutiny on 'economic equivalence'.