If you are between the ages of 18 and 21 the Wajong benefit is 75% of the national minimum wage for young people ('minimum(jeugd)loon'). The amount increases slightly each year as you become older. From the age of 21, your benefit will be 75% of the national minimum wage ('minimumloon').

We do not expect you to find a job if you are receiving a 2015 Wajong benefit, but if you do decide to work your total income will go up. We deduct 75% of your income from your Wajong benefit. This means that you keep 25 cents of every euro you earn.

Please note: If you would like to do volunteer work, you may do so. Just make sure you report this to us within 1 week of becoming a volunteer.
  • You have the right to bring someone along with you to your appointments with us.
  • You have the right to submit a request for a re-evaluation if you feel your health has become worse, or has improved
  • You have the right to object if you do not agree with a decision we have made.
  • You must ensure the information you give us is accurate.
  • You must inform us of any change in your circumstances within 1 week of the change occurring.
  • You must report any changes in your health.
  • You must report a move abroad to us within 1 week of making this decision.
  • You must report any holidays abroad lasting 4 weeks or longer to us. Make sure you do this 2 weeks before you leave.
  • You are expected to attend all appointments you have with us.
  • You are expected to attend any evaluations you have with the UWV physician or the occupational disability employment counsellor (‘arbeidsdeskundige’).
  • You must follow the medical advice given by your doctor or specialist.
  • You must keep all benefit-related documents for at least 2 years, preferably longer.

If you move outside of an EU/EEA country, Switzerland or a country that has a reciprocal social security agreement with the Netherlands, the Wajong benefit will stop on the first day of the month following your departure. However, in some situations you might be entitled to keep your Wajong benefit:

  • if you need medical treatment abroad
  • if you have more work opportunities abroad
  • if your parents or guardian need to move to another country and you are dependent on them for care

If one of these situations applies to you, or if you have another specific reason as to why you think you might be entitled to keep your Wajong benefit, please write to us at the following address explaining your situation:

UWV
P.O. Box 244
1000 AE AMSTERDAM
The Netherlands

In most cases, your Wajong benefit will stop once you reach the state pension age ('AOW-leeftijd'). We will send you a letter closer to the time telling you when your last payment will be made.

Your Wajong benefit may stop earlier in the following situations:

  • You have worked for the past 5 years while receiving a Wajong benefit and have earned at least 75% of the minimum wage as a result.
  • You have been imprisoned for more than 1 month.
  • You are moving abroad. In some cases, you may be able to take your benefit with you.

You can also choose to stop receiving the Wajong benefit by completing the Change of circumstances form. Keep in mind, if you die the benefit will stop the day after your death.

If your benefit stops, you can reapply for the Wajong benefit after 1 year, provided you meet certain criteria. If your application is approved, you will receive the same type of Wajong benefit you received in the past. You cannot switch from one type to another.

If you need ongoing daily assistance or care from others to help carry out tasks such as bathing, dressing or going to the toilet, you may be entitled to an increase in your benefit (‘hogere uitkering bij langdurige hulp of verzorging’). Depending on your situation, your benefit may go up to 85% or 100% of your average monthly income (‘maandloon’).

To apply, you must report any changes to your health and indicate on the form that you are requesting extra support. On the basis of your medical situation and the amount of help you need, the UWV physician ('verzekeringsarts') will assess whether you can get an increase in your benefit.

If you are receiving a Wajong benefit, or have received a Wajong benefit in the past, you may also be entitled to another benefit at the same time. If this is the case, we will adjust the level of your Wajong benefit where necessary. Please keep in mind that each benefit carries their own obligations that you will need to meet.

An additional benefit might be available to you in the following situations:

  • You become ill again while working. If this is the case, you can apply for a sickness benefit (‘Ziektewet uitkering’) through your employer.
  • You are pregnant, which means you can apply for paid maternity leave.
  • Your employment ends, which means you can apply for an unemployment benefit for the hours you worked.

Please note: Depending on your situation, you might also be entitled to another occupational disability benefit in addition to your Wajong benefit.

The UWV top-up benefit provides extra income if you are receiving less than the guaranteed minimum income (‘sociaal minimum’). Find out if you qualify for a top-up benefit when applying for or receiving a Wajong benefit.

If you are entitled to a Wajong benefit, you will most likely qualify for a tax credit (‘Hoe krijg ik de jonggehandicaptenkorting?’).