Sickness Benefits Exception for Self-Employed in Zoetermeer
As a self-employed person in Zoetermeer, you are normally not automatically insured for the Sickness Benefits Act (ZW). However, there are exceptions that make entitlement to benefits in case of illness possible. Read here when you as a self-employed person (zzp'er) in Zoetermeer can claim Sickness Benefits and how to arrange this via Rechtbank Den Haag or Juridisch Loket Zoetermeer.
What does the Sickness Benefits exception for self-employed in Zoetermeer entail?
The Sickness Benefits Act (ZW) provides for financial assistance in case of illness or occupational disability. Self-employed in Zoetermeer are not standardly insured for this, because they do not have an employer who pays premiums. However, exceptions exist where self-employed qualify for a ZW-benefit.
These cases are regulated in the Sickness Benefits Act, WIA and related decrees. The criterion is often that a self-employed person is deemed economically equal to an employee.
Legal basis in the Den Haag region (Zoetermeer)
Important laws for Sickness Benefits exceptions for self-employed:
- Sickness Benefits Act (Article 1): Basic rules for benefits in case of illness.
- WIA (Article 1.2): Regulates occupational disability and benefit rights.
- Sickness Benefits Decree 2004: Specific conditions for self-employed.
- BZW Article 1.1: Moments when self-employed are insured.
For residents of Zoetermeer, this falls under the district of Rechtbank Den Haag. Consult the Juridisch Loket Zoetermeer for free advice.
Conditions for Sickness Benefits as a self-employed person in Zoetermeer
Three essential conditions:
-
1. Economically equal to an employee
At least 12 months of premiums paid via national insurance (AOW/ANW), plus demonstrable income from self-employed work without substantial assets.
Example: A consultant from Zoetermeer with 2 years of AOW premiums and €12,000 annual income from assignments.
-
2. Occupational disability due to illness
Medically established by UWV medical advisor or AAB that you cannot work.
Example: A local entrepreneur with chronic pain that prevents physical work.
-
3. Insufficient alternative income
No or too low income from other sources to cover basic needs.
Example: Self-employed person in Zoetermeer without reserves due to prolonged illness.
How to apply for Sickness Benefits in Zoetermeer?
1. Report your illness directly to UWV (online or by telephone).
2. Provide medical evidence and income details.
3. Examination by UWV medical advisor follows.
4. In case of objection: involve Juridisch Loket Zoetermeer or file with Rechtbank Den Haag.
Tip: Keep all invoices and premium overviews. The benefit amounts to approx. 70% of the daily wage (max. € 233/day).
Help in Zoetermeer
- Juridisch Loket Zoetermeer: Free consultation hours for benefit questions.
- Rechtbank Den Haag: Handles appeals in this district.
- UWV Zoetermeer: Counter for registrations and assessments.