Sickness Benefits for Flexible Workers in Rijswijk
In Rijswijk, with its many temp agencies and flexible jobs in the Haaglanden region, sickness benefits for flexible workers are essential. This UWV benefit supports temp workers, on-call workers, and payrollers who fall ill without adequate pay from their employer. Learn about the rules, local tips, and how to apply, including assistance from the Legal Aid Office Rijswijk.
What are sickness benefits for flexible workers?
The sickness benefits (ZW) form part of the employee insurance schemes and are governed by the Sickness Benefits Act. They apply to sick employees without continued pay from their employer. For flexible workers in Rijswijk, this is common due to temporary contracts without a wage continuation obligation.
Temp workers or on-call staff often have no employer who pays at least 70% of wages during the first two years of illness (Article 7:629 of the Dutch Civil Code). The UWV steps in. This article builds on our overview Sickness Benefits: Everything About Your Rights.
Legal Framework Specific to Flexible Workers
Key legislation includes:
- Sickness Benefits Act (ZW), Articles 16-29: determines entitlement to benefits.
- SUWI: framework for UWV payments.
- Unemployment Act (WW): In cases of unemployment benefits combined with illness, the 'double ZW' (ZWG) applies.
- Civil Code Article 7:629: Employer obligations, often limited by collective agreements such as the ABU for temp staff in Rijswijk.
Temp workers may fall back on the 'AOW-resident daily wage scheme' without recent payslips.
Conditions for ZW as a Flexible Worker in Rijswijk
You qualify if you meet these requirements:
- Employment History: Hours worked shortly before illness (often in the 36 weeks prior).
- Work Incapacity: More than 35% impaired (assessment by insurance physician).
- No Pay: Employer pays less than 70%.
- Residence: In the Netherlands, such as Rijswijk, or an EEA country.
Example from Rijswijk: Marieke, an on-call worker at a local restaurant, falls ill. No wage continuation, so she applies to the UWV. Her daily wage determines the ZW benefit.
Overview by Flexible Worker Type
| Type of Flexible Worker | ZW Entitlement | Practice in Rijswijk |
|---|---|---|
| Temp Worker | Yes, without pay from agency | Ill during assignment: UWV pays. |
| On-Call Worker | Yes, during call-off period | Contract ends: ZW if sufficient history. |
| Payroller | Limited, check collective agreement | Employer often continues pay; otherwise ZW. |
| Self-Employed (ZZP) | No, opt for VWG | No ZW, but self-employed scheme available. |
Rights and Obligations During ZW
Rights:
- 70-91% of daily wage (91% in year 1, 70% thereafter).
- UWV reintegration support.
- Protection against dismissal after two years of illness.
Obligations:
- Report: Within 2 days to employer and UWV.
- Cooperate in recovery (work, therapy).
- Accept insurance medicine assessment.
- Report changes (new income).
Rijswijk Example: Ahmed, a temp worker at a Rijswijk agency, receives ZW after a fall. Weekly effort declaration required, or benefits stop.
Applying for ZW Benefits as a Flexible Worker in Rijswijk
- Report illness in writing to employer (within 2 days).
- Apply via work.nl (using DigiD).
- Attach payslips and contracts.
- Assessment within 6-8 weeks.
Benefits retroactive from reporting date. For questions: Legal Aid Office Rijswijk offers free help.
Duration and Amount of ZW Benefits
Duration: Up to 104 weeks, shorter upon recovery.
Amount: Based on daily wage. Example: €200 daily wage = €182 (year 1), €140 (thereafter), after deductions.
Combination with unemployment benefits via ZWG possible.
Frequently Asked Questions for Rijswijk
ZW if on-call contract ends during illness?
Yes, with 36 weeks of employment history. UWV assesses total history.
Temp agency denies entitlement?
Check collective agreement (ABU). No pay = ZW right. Lodge objection with UWV, appeal to District Court Rijswijk.
Own-risk period for flexible workers?
No, unlike WIA. Reintegration is mandatory.
Decision period for application?
4-8 weeks including assessment. Provisional payment if delayed.
Tips for Flexible Workers in Rijswijk
- Document Everything: Keep payslips, contracts, and reports.
- Report Immediately: Days 1-2, or risk sanctions.
- Seek Local Advice: Legal Aid Office Rijswijk provides free application support.
- Check Collective Agreement: ABU or sector-specific for your rights.
- Municipality of Rijswijk: Inquire about extra support for long-term illness.