Sickness Benefits for Flex Workers in Rotterdam

Sickness Benefits for Flex Workers in Rotterdam

As a flex worker in Rotterdam, such as a temp worker in the port or an on-call employee in hospitality, you can apply for a sickness benefit from the UWV if your employer does not continue paying your salary or pays too little. This safety net provides financial security. In this article, we explain the rules with Rotterdam-specific examples, tips, and local resources such as the Juridisch Loket Rotterdam.

What is a Sickness Benefit for Rotterdam Residents?

The ZW benefit is part of the employee insurance schemes and is governed by the Sickness Benefits Act (ZW). It applies to sick flex workers whose employer does not continue paying salary. In Rotterdam, with its many flexible jobs in logistics and port work, this is crucial because contracts are often short-term and carry no obligation to continue pay under Civil Code art. 7:629.

Read more in our overview Sickness Benefits: Everything About Your Rights. For personal advice in Rotterdam: call the Juridisch Loket Rotterdam (free for low-income earners).

Legal Framework Specific to Flex Work in Rotterdam

Key laws:

• Sickness Benefits Act (ZW), arts. 16-29: basis for benefit entitlement.
• SUWI: framework for UWV services.
• WW: If sick during WW, the 'double ZW' (ZWG) applies.
• Civil Code art. 7:629: Limited pay obligation for flex contracts, e.g., via ABU-cao for temp agencies in the region.

In Rotterdam's temp practices, such as at port companies, the UWV often uses the daily wage calculation for AOW residents without recent payslips.

Eligibility for ZW as a Rotterdam Flex Worker

You qualify if:

1. Employment: Hours worked in the 36 weeks before sickness.
2. Occupational Disability: >35% unfit (UWV insurance physician).
3. No Salary: Employer pays <70% continued pay.
4. Residence: Netherlands or EEA, ideal for Rotterdam residents.

Rotterdam Example: Marieke, an on-call worker at a hospitality business in Kralingen, falls ill during her shift. No continued pay, so she successfully applies to the UWV based on her daily wage.

Overview by Flex Type in Rotterdam

Rights and Obligations under ZW in Rotterdam

Rights:

• 70-91% of daily wage (91% year 1, 70% thereafter).
• UWV reintegration support, locally via regional employers.
• Protection against dismissal after 2 years of sickness.

Obligations:

• Reporting: Within 2 days to employer and UWV.
• Reintegration efforts (work trial, therapy).
• IBA assessment and report changes.

Example from Rotterdam: Ahmed, a temp worker at a Maasvlakte logistics company, receives ZW after an injury. Weekly effort declarations are mandatory; non-cooperation ends the benefit.

Applying for ZW Benefit as a Rotterdam Resident

1. Report in writing to employer (days 1-2).
2. Apply via werk.nl (DigiD).
3. Attach payslips/contracts.
4. Assessment within 6-8 weeks.

Retroactive from reporting date. For help: Municipality of Rotterdam or Juridisch Loket.

Duration and Amount of ZW Benefit

Duration: Up to 104 weeks.

Amount: Based on daily wage, e.g., €200 daily wage = €182 (year 1), €140 later (after deductions). Possible combination with WW.

FAQs for Rotterdam

Tips for Flex Workers in Rotterdam

• Document: Keep payslips and evidence.
• Report Immediately: Days 1-2, or face sanctions.
• Consult Juridisch Loket Rotterdam for free check.
• Check Municipality of Rotterdam for extra support.