Terug naar Encyclopedie
Sociale Zekerheid

Sickness Benefits Exception for Self-Employed in Rotterdam

Sickness Benefits exception for self-employed in Rotterdam: when are you entitled to benefits? Check conditions, application at UWV Rotterdam and local assistance via Juridisch Loket.

3 min leestijd

Sickness Benefits Exception for Self-Employed in Rotterdam

As a self-employed person in Rotterdam, you are normally not automatically insured for the Sickness Benefits Act (Ziektewet, ZW). However, there are exceptions that may entitle you to benefits in case of illness. Read here when you as a self-employed person (zzp'er) in Rotterdam qualify for ZW and how to apply at UWV Rotterdam.

What does the Sickness Benefits exception entail for self-employed in Rotterdam?

The Sickness Benefits Act (ZW) compensates for loss of income due to illness or occupational disability. Self-employed in Rotterdam are not standardly insured for this, because they do not have an employer who pays premiums. Exceptions apply if you are deemed economically equal to an employee.

These rules are laid down in the Sickness Benefits Act, Work and Income according to Labour Capacity Act (WIA) and Sickness Benefits for Self-Employed Decree 2004. In Rotterdam, you can go to UWV Rotterdam (Wilhelminaplein 100-125) for applications and assessments.

Legal basis in Rotterdam

Main laws for ZW exceptions for self-employed:

  • Sickness Benefits Act (Article 1): Basic rules for benefits.
  • WIA (Article 1.2): Occupational disability criteria.
  • Sickness Benefits for Self-Employed Decree 2004 (Article 1.1): Specific for self-employed who paid premiums via national insurance schemes.
  • Social Accord Rotterdam: Local support for entrepreneurs in case of illness.

For self-employed in Rotterdam, it is crucial that you have paid 12 months of premiums via AOW/ANW and had demonstrable income from your business.

Conditions for Sickness Benefits in Rotterdam

Three core conditions for self-employed in Rotterdam:

  1. 1. Economically equal to employee

    Paid at least 12 months of premiums AOW/ANW, plus demonstrable income from self-employed work (e.g. > €8,000/year) and limited assets. UWV Rotterdam assesses this.

    Example Rotterdam: A self-employed marketer from Rotterdam-South with 2 years of AOW premiums and €15,000 annual income may qualify.

  2. 2. Occupational disability due to illness

    Medical evidence via UWV insurance physician in Rotterdam that you are ≥35% occupationally disabled.

    Example: Self-employed carpenter from Rotterdam with chronic back pain, assessed by UWV insurance physician.

  3. 3. Insufficient alternative income

    No or too low income from work, savings or partner. Benefit covers basic needs (approx. 70% of daily wage).

    Example: Self-employed consultant from Rotterdam-West without reserves due to burnout.

How to apply for ZW benefits in Rotterdam?

  1. Call UWV Rotterdam (088-8989294) or report online via uwv.nl.
  2. Submit medical certificate (GP) and proof of premium payment/income.
  3. Report to District Court Rotterdam (Wilhelminaplein 100-125) in case of objection.
  4. Free advice: Juridisch Loket Rotterdam, Westblaak 180 (010-2092345).

Tip Rotterdam: Work with a local accountant for income proof. Application within 2 days after illness notification.

Local support Rotterdam

  • UWV Rotterdam: Wilhelminaplein 100-125, appointment via 088-8989294.
  • Juridisch Loket: Westblaak 180, free consultation hours.
  • Entrepreneurs Desk Rotterdam: Assistance with application documents.