Once you qualify for a sickness benefit ('Ziektewet-uitkering'), you will receive it for a maximum of 2 years (104 weeks). If you are still ill after this period, you might qualify for a WIA benefit. 

The sickness benefit is usually 70% of your average daily income (‘dagloon’) However, there are situations where the sickness benefit is calculated differently (in Dutch).

In the following situations it can be 100% of your average daily income:

  • if you fall ill before or immediately after your maternity leave ('zwangerschapsverlof') due to pregnancy or childbirth
  • if you fall ill due to donating an organ

If you start working, or increase the number of hours you work, the level of your sickness benefit will usually go down. However, your total income will increase, making it financially worthwhile for you to work. 

You must report any change in your income to us within 2 days. To do so, complete the Reporting a change if you are on a sickness benefit form (‘Doorgeven wijzigingen als u een Ziektewet-uitkering heeft’). You will need your citizen service number (‘BSN’) to complete the form.

If you are entitled to a sickness benefit, you will receive your first payment no later than 4 weeks after you report sick.  

After your first payment, you will usually receive your sickness benefit payment once a week, for the previous week. If you were receiving an unemployment benefit and are now receiving a sickness benefit instead, you will receive your payment after the end of each calendar month, after you have reported your monthly income to us.

If your contract expires and you have been ill for longer than 1 year, you will receive your first payment 8 weeks after reporting sick.

If you became ill while receiving an unemployment benefit, you will continue to receive this benefit for the next 13 weeks. During this time, you must continue to report your monthly earnings ('inkomstenopgave') to us. You will need either a DigiD account or a valid European electronic ID (‘Europees erkend inlogmiddel’) to do this. You must also keep applying for jobs, doing everything you can to get back to work as soon as possible.

If you are still ill after 13 weeks, you will most likely be entitled to a sickness benefit instead of an unemployment benefit.

Once you have recovered, your sickness benefit will end. If you have not found work by then and have not reached the maximum length of your previous unemployment benefit, you can reapply for the unemployment benefit again.

If you do not have an employer, we will support you through the return-to-work process. If you have an employer, both you and your employer must work proactively on the return-to-work process. You must also meet the following obligations: 

  • Report sick no later than the 2nd day of illness. 
  • Report sick if you are abroad. 
  • Make sure you can be reached after reporting sick. 
  • Work proactively on your recovery.
  • Fill in our questionnaire. You will receive a letter or phone call from us with more information.  
  • Make sure the information you give us is accurate. This includes your contact details and living situation. 
  • Report any changes to us by filling out the Reporting a change if you are on a sickness benefit form (‘Doorgeven wijzigingen als u een Ziektewet-uitkering heeft’) within 1 week of the change occurring. This includes changes to your income, contact details, living situation or moving abroad.
  • Report yourself better via Mijn UWV no later than the 2nd day after you have recovered, even if you are only going back to work part-time. 
  • Attend all appointments with us. 
  • Show a valid form of ID. 
  • Co-operate with any medical assessments we require. 
  • Find and keep suitable work. 
  • Inform us if you are working, or are receiving an income from work.