The WIA Assessment Process in Rotterdam
The WIA assessment procedure is the process through which the Dutch Social Security Agency (UWV) evaluates whether you qualify for benefits under the Wet werk en inkomen naar arbeidsvermogen (WIA – Act on Work and Income According to Capacity for Work) after two years of illness. For Rotterdam residents with long-term work limitations—such as those from port work or physically demanding jobs in the city—this assessment is critical if you can no longer perform fully. The process includes a medical and vocational evaluation to determine your work disability status. In this article for Rotterdam residents, we outline the steps and provide tips for local support through the Juridisch Loket Rotterdam (Rotterdam Legal Desk).
What Is the WIA Assessment for Rotterdam Residents?
The WIA assessment is a mandatory evaluation conducted by the UWV for employees in Rotterdam who, after 104 weeks of illness, still experience limitations. Its purpose is to determine eligibility for WIA benefits, such as the WGA (partial reintegration allowance) or IVA (full disability benefit). The assessment focuses on your health and potential for re-employment, often aligned with Rotterdam’s labor market. Unlike a standard sickness benefit assessment, the UWV examines your long-term work capacity. The Juridisch Loket Rotterdam offers free guidance to help you prepare.
Important: This assessment is not a penalty but a means to secure your income. Around 30% of applicants receive an IVA benefit, while others qualify for WGA or wage-related alternatives. The process begins automatically after your employer reports your case to the UWV.
Legal Framework of the WIA Assessment
The WIA assessment procedure is governed by the Wet werk en inkomen naar arbeidsvermogen (WIA), specifically Articles 39 to 47. Article 39 WIA requires the UWV to assess your work disability after the wage continuation period (typically two years). It falls under the Algemene wet bestuursrecht (Awb – General Administrative Law Act) for decisions and objections. In Rotterdam, you can file an objection with the Rechtbank Rotterdam (District Court of Rotterdam) in case of disagreement.
The Wet op de medische keuringen (WMK – Act on Medical Examinations) ensures a fair medical evaluation. The UWV aims to reach a decision within eight weeks, though delays may extend this timeline. If you file an objection, you have six weeks to do so; the Juridisch Loket Rotterdam assists with drafting your request, as explained in our article on WIA Assessments and Objections in Rotterdam.
Steps in the WIA Assessment Procedure
The WIA assessment procedure follows a structured process. Below is a chronological overview tailored to the Rotterdam context:
- Employer Notification: After 91 weeks of illness, your Rotterdam-based employer reports your case to the UWV. You receive a letter with instructions to complete an online questionnaire about your health and work history—often relevant to local sectors like logistics.
- Completing the Application Form: Within two weeks of receiving the letter, submit the WIA form via Mijn UWV (My UWV). Attach medical records, such as those from your Rotterdam GP or a specialist at the Erasmus MC.
- Medical Examination by an Insurance Physician: You will be invited for a 30–45-minute consultation with the UWV’s insurance physician, either at a Rotterdam UWV office or online. The physician evaluates your symptoms, limitations, and treatment.
- Vocational Assessment: Based on medical data, a vocational expert assesses which jobs you can still perform in Rotterdam, resulting in an estimate of your remaining earning capacity.
- Decision and Benefit Award: Within eight weeks (sometimes longer), you receive a decision letter. If you are more than 35% work-disabled, your WIA benefit begins; otherwise, support ends.
The entire process typically takes 3 to 6 months, depending on the complexity of your case in Rotterdam’s dynamic context.
Rights and Obligations During the Procedure
During the WIA assessment procedure, specific rights and obligations apply to ensure a fair process, with local support available in Rotterdam.
Your Rights
- Right to Information: The UWV provides full details about the process and required documents.
- Right to Assistance: Bring a lawyer, union representative, or family member; the Juridisch Loket Rotterdam offers free guidance.
- Right to Insight: Request access to your file after the assessment to prepare potential objections to the Rechtbank Rotterdam.
- Right to Wage Continuation: You continue receiving wages or a UWV advance during the process, often coordinated with the Municipality of Rotterdam for additional support.
Your Obligations
- Cooperation: Respond promptly to correspondence and attend appointments; failure to do so may result in rejection (Article 42 WIA).
- Provide Accurate Information: Be honest; false statements can lead to fines or benefit clawbacks.
- Share Medical Data: Submit relevant reports, such as those from Rotterdam specialists.
Non-compliance may result in penalties, such as reduced benefits. Contact the Juridisch Loket Rotterdam for advice.
Practical Examples of the WIA Assessment in Rotterdam
For example, a 45-year-old Rotterdam port worker with persistent back pain after a fall reports to the UWV after two years of illness. You complete the questionnaire, detailing your pain and reduced strength, supported by scans from Ikazia Hospital. During the assessment, you demonstrate your limitations to the insurance physician, who determines you can work at most 50% capacity.
The vocational expert considers alternatives like limited warehouse work in the port and calculates your remaining earning capacity at 60% of your previous salary. You receive a wage-related WGA benefit covering 70% of the difference. In another case, a Rotterdam teacher with burnout provides therapy reports from a local practice showing recovery potential. The UWV grants a WGA follow-up benefit with mandatory reintegration obligations through the Municipality of Rotterdam.
These examples illustrate how the process is tailored to your individual situation in Rotterdam, with access to local institutions for optimal support.
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.