News item | 27-03-2026 | 3:30 PM
The government wants to remove uncertainty among employers about whether they have done enough to help their sick employee return to work. The advice of the company doctor about what someone can still do will therefore be leading in this test by UWV after 2 years of illness. This is stated in a bill that Minister Aartsen of Work and Participation and Minister Vijlbrief of Social Affairs and Employment presented to the Council of State. In addition, it is legally regulated that people do not have to repay the advance they receive while awaiting a WIA assessment. The measures should, among other things, help to reduce the backlogs in assessing people who are eligible for WIA benefits.
RIV test
If someone becomes ill, the employer is obliged to continue paying wages for 2 years and to help the employee return to work. After 2 years of illness, the employee may be dismissed under certain conditions and can apply for disability benefits. With the RIV test (reintegration report test), UWV assesses whether the employer and employee have done enough to get the employee back to work. If this is not the case, the employer may be obliged to continue paying wages for a maximum of one year longer to restore the missed reintegration opportunities. In the new situation, the advice of the company doctor will be leading in this test. This offers employers more certainty with regard to their obligations regarding continued payment of wages in the event of illness. Employers know that they have done enough if they follow the advice of the company doctor. It also saves work for UWV insurance doctors, giving them more time to assess benefit applications.
Remission of advances
If someone has been ill for 2 years, a WIA benefit can be applied for from UWV. There are long wait times for this assessment. This sometimes leaves people unsure about their income for a long time. The (former) employee can then receive an advance on the benefit. If, after the assessment, it appears that the person has no or a lower right to a WIA benefit, the advance does not have to be repaid. This is a temporary measure that ensures that people are not confronted with significant refunds later as a result of the long waiting times. The cabinet has decided to enshrine this policy in law. The way in which WIA advances are financed is also changing. First they are paid from the Disability Fund. After it has been assessed whether someone is entitled to the benefit, the costs are booked in the right place. If an advance is waived, it will continue to be charged to the Disability Fund.
Wajong
The bill also contains some limited changes and clarification of the Wajong, the benefit for young disabled people. People with a Wajong benefit who have worked continuously for 5 years and earn sufficient income retain the right to a benefit if they work in a sheltered workplace, with wage dispensation, wage cost subsidy or internal job coach. UWV has been implementing this measure at the request of the cabinet since January 1, 2026. Furthermore, the guaranteed amount will lapse if the Wajong benefit has been terminated for more than 12 months. The bill is now submitted to the Council of State for advice.
