News item | 29-02-2024 | 16:10
This is a press release from the independent committee on the future of the disability system (OCTAS)
On Thursday, February 29, the Independent Commission for the Future of Disability (OCTAS) issued its advice to Minister Van Gennip (SZW). In the advice, OCTAS presents three variants through which the current overly complex system for illness and disability can be simplified. The OCTAS also makes a number of proposals to address bottlenecks for people without a (recent) employment history.
The advice that OCTAS now provides is a follow-up to the problem analysis that was presented last October. In it, the committee extensively outlined the complexity of the current system for all involved.
‘Current system better’ is the first variant that OCTAS outlines. In this variant, OCTAS proposes a number of measures to make the current system less complex, more humane and more understandable. The WIA will become simpler by, among other things, based on one instead of the current three schemes. A scheme for the self-employed and a lower threshold for disability also makes more people eligible for the WIA. Especially people who previously had a flexible contract with a low income benefit from these measures.
In the ‘Work comes first’ variant, the emphasis is on what people can do, instead of what they cannot do. In this variant, OCTAS outlines a working method that first looks at the possibilities of reintegration. During this period of 3 to 5 years, someone receives a reintegration benefit. This prevents someone from quickly being labeled ‘unfit for work’. This is followed by the disability assessment. People for whom reintegration proves to be impossible will then be eligible for a disability final benefit (AO final benefit).
In the ‘Basic for workers’ variant, OCTAS outlines one equal scheme for all workers. This means that both employees and self-employed people end up in the same scheme. In this variant, all workers are assessed in the same way, supported and guided towards possible reintegration. One scheme aims to make the system more suitable for people who alternately or simultaneously work as employees and are self-employed. There is mandatory supplementary insurance for working people, which means that their income protection changes little compared to the ‘current system is better’ option.
For people without a (recent) employment history, the current system is too much of a maze. OCTAS therefore makes various proposals to intensify services and better meet needs. These are not choices but minimum necessary measures to alleviate the bottlenecks.
Regardless of which variant is chosen, according to committee chairman Roos Vermeij, it is possible to simplify many things by starting from people’s perspectives. ‘Complexity is often an expression of the urge to regulate and efficiency. We believe that people should be able to understand what their rights are, what their obligations are and what their perspective is.’ Vermeij points out that in order to actually achieve simplifications, it is necessary that all parties involved cooperate in the further development of the variants. ‘The variants are alternatives from which one can choose. Without making a choice, we provide a vision of a system for people who become ill or incapacitated for work and where there is more attention and more security for people. It is important that this is based on mutual trust. Employers should also be given more options to support reintegration. They still face too many restrictions due to regulations.’
OCTAS was established on November 25, 2022 by Minister Van Gennip. The advice that has now been issued fulfills the committee’s assignment to make a problem analysis and present several solutions for fundamental, structural bottlenecks that exist in the current system. In addition to committee chairman Roos Vermeij, the committee consists of Bruno Bruins, Sita Mohabir, Maarten Lindeboom, Josine Westerbeek-Huitink, Neele Kistemaker, Pierre Koning, Irmgard Borghouts, Wout de Boer and Harry van de Kraats.
For more information:
Remco Dolstra, 06 52 81 41 19