Sickness Benefits Regulations for Flex Workers and Temporary Agency Workers in Zoetermeer
The Sickness Benefits Act (ZW) provides a financial safety net for employees in Zoetermeer who become ill without their employer continuing to pay salary. This is particularly relevant for flex workers, temporary agency workers, and people with temporary contracts.
Who is Eligible for Sickness Benefits?
A sickness benefit is possible if:
- Your temporary employment contract ends during illness
- You become ill as a temporary agency worker
- You are an on-call worker without a fixed contract
- You are unemployed and become ill (from unemployment benefits)
- You are pregnant or have recently given birth
- You are an organ donor
- You fall under a no-risk policy
End of Wage Continuation
In a permanent employment relationship, you receive at least 70% of your salary for 2 years from your employer. In a temporary employment relationship, this payment stops as soon as the contract ends.
Practical Example
Suppose your contract expires on 1 July and you become ill on 1 April. Your employer pays until 1 July, after which you can apply for a sickness benefit from the UWV, provided you are still ill.
How Much Do You Receive via Sickness Benefits?
| Period | Percentage of Daily Wage |
|---|---|
| First 52 weeks | 70% |
| Weeks 53 to 104 | 70% |
A maximum daily wage applies, and the benefit is at least equal to the minimum wage.
Steps for Applying for a Sickness Benefit
1. Report Illness
Report your illness to your employer or temporary agency. If your contract ends, do this with the UWV.
2. Submit Application
Submit your application via My UWV, within 3 days after the end of your contract.
3. Start of Benefit
There is no waiting period; the benefit starts immediately after the end of your contract.
Specific Rules for Temporary Agency Workers in Zoetermeer
Temporary agency workers have adapted rules:
- In the first 78 weeks: the agency pays or you fall under sickness benefits
- The Collective Labour Agreement for Temporary Agency Workers determines the precise conditions
- Without temp agency clause: the agency continues payment
- With temp agency clause: contract ends and sickness benefits take effect
Sickness Benefits in Pregnancy
Pregnant women have additional rights:
- Maternity leave: 4 to 6 weeks before birth
- Childbirth leave: At least 10 weeks after birth
- Benefit: 100% of daily wage
- Also after contract end, entitled to full benefit
No-Risk Policy Conditions
With a no-risk policy, you are entitled to sickness benefits in case of illness. This applies to:
- Employees ill at the start of employment
- Employees with a WIA benefit who start working
- Wajong participants
- Older unemployed persons (56+) from unemployment benefits who resume work
The employer pays salary but receives reimbursement via sickness benefits.
Obligations under Sickness Benefits in Zoetermeer
With a sickness benefit, you must:
- Remain reachable: The UWV must be able to contact you
- Promote recovery: Follow necessary treatments
- Reintegration: Actively work towards returning to work
- Attend checks: Comply with appointment with insurance physician
- Report changes: Report recovery or moving
Possible Sanctions
If you fail to meet obligations, the UWV may take measures:
- Reduction of the benefit (5-100%)
- Temporary suspension
- Definitive termination
Transition from Sickness Benefits to WIA
If you are still ill after 104 weeks, assessment for a WIA benefit takes place. Possible outcomes:
- WGA (35-80% disabled for work)
- IVA (80-100% permanently disabled for work)
- No benefit (less than 35% disabled for work)
Sickness Benefits and Unemployment Benefits Combination
If you become ill during an unemployment benefit:
- First 13 weeks: unemployment benefit continues
- Afterwards: switch to sickness benefit
- Upon recovery: unemployment benefit resumes for remaining period
Objection and Appeal in Zoetermeer
Disagree with a UWV decision?
- Objection: Submit to UWV within 6 weeks
- Appeal: Within 6 weeks to the District Court of The Hague
For legal assistance, you can contact the Legal Advice Centre Zoetermeer.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the duration of a sickness benefit?
Maximum 104 weeks (2 years), or until you recover.
Do I accrue unemployment benefit entitlements during sickness benefits?
No, this period does not count towards building unemployment benefits.