Sickness Benefits Exception for Self-Employed in The Hague
As a self-employed person in The Hague, you are normally not insured for the Sickness Benefits Act (Ziektewet, ZW). However, there are specific exceptions that may entitle you to benefits in case of illness. Read here when, as a self-employed professional (zzp'er) in The Hague, you are eligible for Sickness Benefits and how to apply for it with the Employee Insurance Agency (UWV).
What does the Sickness Benefits exception for self-employed in The Hague entail?
The Sickness Benefits Act (ZW) compensates for loss of income due to illness or occupational disability. Self-employed without employees (zzp'ers) in The Hague are usually not insured for this, because they do not have an employer who pays premiums. However, exceptions exist for specific cases in which the government deems you economically equivalent to an employee.
These rules are laid down in the Sickness Benefits Act, Work and Income according to Labour Capacity Act (WIA) and the Sickness Benefits for Self-Employed Decree 2004. In The Hague, you can go to the UWV and the District Court of The Hague, Prins Clauslaan 60, for applications and objections.
Legal basis for Sickness Benefits exception for zzp'ers
Important laws and decrees for self-employed in The Hague:
- Sickness Benefits Act (Articles 1-16): Basic rules for benefits in case of illness.
- WIA (Article 1.2): Regulates occupational disability and connection to ZW.
- Sickness Benefits for Self-Employed Decree 2004 (Article 1.1): Specific conditions for zzp'ers.
- Social and Economic Council guidelines: Criteria for economic equivalence.
For legal advice in The Hague: visit the Legal Aid Office The Hague, Lutherse Burgwal 10.
Conditions for Sickness Benefits as a self-employed person in The Hague
Three essential conditions:
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1. Economic equivalence with employee
You must have paid national insurance contributions (AOW/ANW) for at least 13 weeks prior to illness. Prove your self-employed activity with invoices and no excessive assets (< €130,000 savings).
Example The Hague: A local zzp consultant with 2 years of invoices may qualify.
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2. Medically established occupational disability
Assessed by UWV insurance physician. At least 35% disabled for work due to illness or defect.
Example: Self-employed person from The Hague with chronic migraine who cannot work.
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3. Insufficient alternative income
No employment income, pension or sufficient business income. Benefit supplements up to social assistance level.
Tip The Hague: Report to the UWV office in the region for intake.
How to apply for Sickness Benefits in The Hague?
- Report immediately to UWV within 2 days after sickness report (online or by telephone).
- Submit documents: ID, invoices, bank statements, medical information.
- UWV insurance physician assessment within 6 weeks.
- Decision within 8-14 weeks. Objection possible at District Court of The Hague, Prins Clauslaan 60.
Important: For free advice: Legal Aid Office The Hague, Lutherse Burgwal 10 (Mon-Wed 9-17h).
Amount and duration of benefit in The Hague region
Amount: 70% of daily wage, max. €247/day (2024). Duration: max. 2 years, then WIA.
Note: Self-insurance possible via UWV exemption.
Important addresses The Hague
- UWV WORK Company The Hague: Laan van Wateringsveld 1319
- District Court of The Hague: Prins Clauslaan 60 (ZW objections)
- Legal Aid Office The Hague: Lutherse Burgwal 10, tel. 0900-8020