In total, this concerns 200,000 euros in benefits provided. Of the 94 cases that the UWV has investigated so far, it has stopped or stopped benefits in 69 cases.
The possible fraud was noticed by insurance doctors of the UWV, who in a short period of time saw a striking increase in sickness benefits granted to people with an address in Slovakia. Normally there are not that many per year.
According to the UWV, the temporary workers also gave the same cause remarkably often when reporting sick. In nine cases there is hard evidence that medical documents have been falsified. “This concerns, for example, fictitious statements from doctors abroad. Research shows that these doctors do not know the patients and have not issued a statement,” said the UWV, which examines whether criminal offenses have been committed and whether it may be an organized abuse.
The implementing organization explains that people who receive sickness benefits do not necessarily have to reside in the Netherlands. It is therefore legally permitted to take the benefit abroad. EU citizens who receive a ZW benefit in their country of residence must – just like everyone who applies for a benefit – meet the applicable conditions and obligations.