The WIA Assessment Process in Den Haag
The **WIA assessment procedure** is the process through which the Dutch Social Security Agency (UWV) evaluates whether you qualify for a benefit under the Wet werk en inkomen naar arbeidsvermogen (WIA – Income According to Work Capacity Act) after two years of illness. For residents of Den Haag—where many work in dynamic sectors like government or port-related industries—this assessment is critical if you can no longer perform fully due to long-term health issues. The process involves a medical and vocational evaluation to determine your work limitations. In this guide for Den Haag residents, we outline the steps, including local support options through the Juridisch Loket Den Haag (Legal Advice Desk).
What Is the WIA Assessment?
The WIA assessment is a mandatory evaluation conducted by the UWV for employees in Den Haag and surrounding areas who, after 104 weeks of sickness absence, still experience work limitations. Its purpose is to determine eligibility for WIA benefits, such as the WGA (Work and Income Act for partially work-capable individuals) or the IVA (Income for the Totally Disabled). The assessment focuses on your health and potential to (partially) work in the region—for example, in lighter roles with local employers. Unlike a standard sickness benefit assessment, the UWV evaluates your long-term work capacity.
**Key for Den Haag residents:** This is not a penalty but a means to secure your income, especially in a city with high living costs. Around 30% of applicants receive an IVA benefit, while others qualify for WGA or wage-related alternatives. The process begins automatically when your employer notifies the UWV.
Legal Framework of the WIA Assessment
The **WIA assessment procedure** is governed by the Wet werk en inkomen naar arbeidsvermogen (WIA), specifically Articles 39–47. Article 39 mandates the UWV to assess your case after two years of continued salary payment. Decisions fall under the General Administrative Law Act (Awb), allowing for appeals. Den Haag residents who wish to contest a decision can turn to the Rechtbank Den Haag (District Court of The Hague).
The Wet op de medische keuringen (WMK – Medical Examinations Act) ensures fair medical evaluations. The UWV aims to reach a decision within eight weeks, though delays may occur. If you are dissatisfied with the outcome, you have six weeks to file an objection; the Juridisch Loket Den Haag offers free advice on this, including our article on WIA assessments and objections in Den Haag.
Steps in the WIA Assessment Procedure
For residents of Den Haag, the **WIA assessment procedure** follows clear stages. Below is a chronological overview, with attention to local considerations:
- Employer Notification: Around week 91 of your sickness absence, your employer—likely a Den Haag-based organization—reports your case to the UWV. You will receive a letter with instructions to complete an online questionnaire about your health and work history in the region.
- Completing the Application Form: Submit the WIA form within two weeks via Mijn UWV, including medical details such as reports from your GP in Den Haag or specialists at the HagaZiekenhuis.
- Medical Examination by an Insurance Physician: You will be invited for a consultation with the UWV’s insurance physician, either in Den Haag or via video call. The session lasts 30–45 minutes and assesses your symptoms, limitations, and treatments.
- Vocational Assessment: Based on medical data, a vocational expert evaluates which jobs you can still perform in Den Haag—for example, part-time municipal work. This results in an assessment of your remaining earning capacity.
- Decision and Benefit Award: Within eight weeks (sometimes longer), you will receive a letter. If you are deemed more than 35% work-disabled, your WIA benefit begins; otherwise, support ends.
The entire process typically takes 3–6 months, depending on complexity, and can be supported by local reintegration programs through the Gemeente Den Haag.
Rights and Obligations During the Procedure
During the **WIA assessment procedure**, Den Haag residents have specific rights and obligations to ensure a fair process.
Your Rights
- Right to Information: The UWV must fully inform you about the process and required documents.
- Right to Assistance: Bring a lawyer or representative from the Juridisch Loket Den Haag to your assessment.
- Right to Inspection: Request your case file after the assessment to prepare for potential objections to the Rechtbank Den Haag.
- Right to Continued Wages: You often retain your salary or receive an advance from the UWV during the process.
Your Obligations
- Cooperation: Respond promptly to correspondence and attend appointments; failure to do so may result in rejection (Article 42 WIA).
- Provide Accurate Information: Be honest; false statements can lead to fines or benefit reductions.
- Share Medical Data: Submit relevant reports, such as those from healthcare providers in Den Haag.
Non-compliance may result in penalties or benefit reductions; seek assistance from the Juridisch Loket Den Haag to avoid this.
Practical Examples of the WIA Assessment Procedure
For example, a 45-year-old municipal employee in Den Haag with persistent back pain after a fall undergoes assessment after two years of sickness absence. In the questionnaire, they describe their pain and reduced mobility, supported by imaging from the Westeinde Ziekenhuis. During the assessment, the insurance physician determines they can work up to 50% capacity.
The vocational expert considers Den Haag job opportunities, such as light office work, and calculates their remaining earning capacity at 60% of their previous salary. They receive a wage-related WGA benefit covering 70% of the difference. In another case, a teacher from Schilderswijk with burnout provides therapy reports proving recovery. The UWV grants a WGA follow-up benefit with mandatory reintegration through local municipal programs.
These examples illustrate how the process is tailored to individual circumstances in Den Haag, with options for regional support.
Veelgestelde vragen
Wat is mijn retourrecht?
Bij online aankopen heb je 14 dagen retourrecht zonder opgaaf van reden, tenzij de wettelijke uitzonderingen gelden.
Hoe lang geldt de wettelijke garantie?
Goederen moeten minimaal 2 jaar meewerken. Defecten die binnen 6 maanden ontstaan worden verondersteld al aanwezig te zijn.
Kan ik rente eisen over schulden?
Ja, je kunt wettelijke rente eisen (momenteel ongeveer 8% per jaar) over het openstaande bedrag.
Wat kan ik doen tegen oneerlijke handelspraktijken?
Je kunt klacht indienen bij de consumentenbond, de overheid of naar de rechter gaan.
Wat is een kredietovereenkomst?
Een kredietovereenkomst regelt hoe je geld leent, wat de rente is, en hoe je dit terugbetaalt.