Wajong Eligibility in Rotterdam: What Are the Requirements for You?
The Wajong eligibility criteria determine whether residents of Rotterdam qualify for the Wet arbeidsongeschiktheidsvoorziening jonggehandicapten (Wajong benefit). This financial support assists young Rotterdammers who, due to illness or disability, are unable to work fully or at all. It applies if you became work-disabled before your 18th birthday or during studies. This article explains the Wajong conditions, including legal foundations, rights and obligations, plus locally tailored tips. As a supplement to our overview of the Wajong benefit, it helps you assess eligibility and the local steps to take. For personalized advice in Rotterdam: contact the Juridisch Loket Rotterdam.
What Does Wajong Mean for Rotterdam Residents, and Why Do the Criteria Matter?
The Wajong is a cornerstone of Dutch social security, providing benefits to young disabled individuals in Rotterdam who face barriers in the labor market—such as in the port or creative sectors. The eligibility rules ensure fair distribution based on your individual circumstances in the city. If you fail to meet the Wajong criteria, no benefit will be granted. The UWV, with offices in Rotterdam, evaluates applications through medical and vocational assessments. Note: requirements differ depending on whether your disability arose before or after 2010/2015, which is particularly relevant for Rotterdam’s diverse young population in neighborhoods like Delfshaven or Kralingen.
Legal Basis of Wajong Eligibility in Rotterdam
The Wajong is governed by the Wajong Act, linked to the Wet op de arbeidsongeschiktheidsverzekering (WaO) and the Wet werk en inkomen naar arbeidsvermogen (WIA). Key legal provisions include:
- Article 1 of the Wajong Act: Defines insured persons as those who became work-disabled before age 18 or during education in Rotterdam.
- Article 3 of the Wajong Act: Requires a sustained work disability of at least 35%.
- Article 16 of the Wajong Act: Determines benefit levels based on your remaining work capacity in the Rotterdam context.
The law has undergone changes: the original Wajong (until 2009), Wajong 2010 (from 2010), and Wajong 2015 (from 2015). These adjustments influence Wajong eligibility, with a focus on reintegration into local jobs. For up-to-date information: check the UWV website or visit the Juridisch Loket Rotterdam. See also our article on social security in the Netherlands.
Key Wajong Eligibility Requirements for Rotterdam Residents
Rotterdam residents must meet strict criteria for Wajong benefits. These eligibility rules ensure fairness. Key points:
- Age and Timing of Disability: Become work-disabled before age 18, during full-time education (up to age 30), or a preparatory course in Rotterdam. After age 30, new applicants no longer qualify.
- Work Disability: Unable to work (fully or partially) due to illness, physical, or mental limitations, assessed by the UWV in percentages. For Wajong 2010 and later: at least 35% disability without recovery prospects, relevant for Rotterdam’s young population facing urban stressors.
- Residency and Legal Stay: Must live in Rotterdam or the Netherlands with valid residency; EU citizens in the city may have flexible rules via the Municipality of Rotterdam.
- No Overlapping Benefits: Cannot receive WAO, WIA, or Sickness Benefit simultaneously; this prevents overlaps in Rotterdam’s social provisions.
- Application Deadline: Submit within two months after ending studies or the illness period to the UWV; late applicants lose retroactive benefits, which is critical for timely local assistance.
Under Wajong 2015, the eligibility criteria are stricter: only full and permanent disability qualifies for a basic benefit. Partial disability may lead to wage supplementation if you work in Rotterdam, supported by municipal reintegration programs.
Differences Between Wajong Schemes in Rotterdam Practice
The eligibility criteria vary by scheme. Overview in table:
| Scheme | Requirements | Benefit for | Work Allowed? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Old Wajong (pre-2010) | Work-disabled before age 18 or during studies in Rotterdam | Partial or full disability | Yes, with income offset |
| Wajong 2010 | Same, plus no recovery prospects | ≥35% disability | Yes, benefit adjusts to income |
| Wajong 2015 | Strict: full and permanent disability | No work capacity | Wage top-up if working in Rotterdam |
The table illustrates the shift toward stricter rules, with increased pressure on reintegration through local UWV and Municipality of Rotterdam initiatives.
Rights and Obligations Under Wajong Eligibility in Rotterdam
If you meet the Wajong criteria, you receive approximately 70% of the minimum wage (around €1,100 gross monthly in 2023, varying by case). Working in Rotterdam may supplement this, but with deductions. Your rights include:
- Reintegration support from UWV Rotterdam, such as training or workplace adaptations in the city.
- Protection against dismissal due to disability, backed by local labor advisors.
- Right to appeal or object to rejection, filed with the Rotterdam District Court.
Your obligations are:
- Cooperate with reintegration efforts; failure may result in benefit reductions. The Municipality of Rotterdam offers additional programs.
- Report changes in health or income to the UWV within 10 days.
- Actively seek work if partially employable, with assistance from the Juridisch Loket Rotterdam.
In Rotterdam practice, passivity is not permitted; the UWV may conduct checks and collaborate with the municipality for better integration.
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.