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Sociale Zekerheid

Explained: The WIA Assessment Procedure for Residents of Delft

Discover the WIA assessment process for Delft residents: step-by-step guidance, rights, and local support from Juridisch Loket Delft and the District Court of The Hague. Prepare for your benefit after illness.

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The WIA Assessment Process in Delft

The **WIA assessment procedure** is the process through which the Dutch Social Security Agency (UWV) evaluates whether you qualify for a benefit under the Wet werk en inkomen naar arbeidsvermogen (WIA – Income According to Work Capacity Act) after two years of illness. For residents of Delft facing long-term work limitations—whether due to physical labor in local industries or roles at TU Delft—this assessment is critical if you can no longer work at full capacity. The process involves both medical and vocational evaluations to determine your work disability status. This guide explains the steps, preparation tips, and local support options for Delft residents, including assistance from the Juridisch Loket Delft (Delft Legal Aid Office).

What Is the WIA Assessment for Delft Residents?

The WIA assessment is a mandatory evaluation conducted by the UWV for employees in Delft and the surrounding area who, after 104 weeks of illness, still experience work limitations. Its purpose is to determine eligibility for WIA benefits, such as the WGA (Work and Income Act for partially disabled workers) or the IVA (Income for Fully Disabled Persons). The focus is on your medical condition and prospects for (partial) employment, particularly in Delft’s technical sector. Unlike a Ziektewet (Sickness Benefit Act) assessment, the UWV evaluates your long-term work capacity.

**Key for Delft residents:** This 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 when your employer reports your case to the UWV, which operates regionally from The Hague.

Legal Framework of the WIA Assessment

The **WIA assessment procedure** is governed by the Wet werk en inkomen naar arbeidsvermogen (WIA), specifically Articles 39–47. Article 39 WIA requires the UWV to assess your work disability after the wage continuation period (typically two years). The General Administrative Law Act (Awb) regulates decisions and objections, relevant for Delft residents appealing to the District Court of The Hague in case of disputes.

The Wet op de medische keuringen (WMK – Medical Assessment Act) ensures fair medical evaluations. The UWV aims to decide within eight weeks, though delays may extend this timeline. If dissatisfied with the outcome, you can file an objection within six weeks; the Juridisch Loket Delft offers free advice to local residents. See also our article on WIA Assessments and Objections in Delft.

Steps in the WIA Assessment Process for Delft

The **WIA assessment procedure** follows a standardized process, with regional nuances such as appointments at UWV offices in the Hague area. Below is a chronological overview:

  1. Employer Notification: After 91 weeks of illness, your employer—such as a company in Delft’s manufacturing sector—reports your case to the UWV. You’ll receive a letter with instructions to complete an online questionnaire about your health and work history in Delft.
  2. Completing the Application Form: Submit the WIA form via Mijn UWV within two weeks, including medical records from your GP in Delft or specialists at the Reinier de Graaf Hospital.
  3. Medical Assessment by an Insurance Physician: You’ll be invited for a 30–45-minute consultation with the UWV’s insurance physician, either in person (often in The Hague) or via video call. The physician evaluates your symptoms and treatments.
  4. Vocational Assessment: Based on medical information, a vocational expert assesses what type of work—such as light-duty roles in Delft’s municipal or university sectors—you can still perform and calculates your remaining earning capacity.
  5. Decision and Benefit Award: Within eight weeks (sometimes longer), you’ll receive a letter. If you’re deemed more than 35% work-disabled, you qualify for a WIA benefit; otherwise, support ends.

For Delft residents, the process typically takes **3 to 6 months**, depending on the complexity of your case.

Rights and Obligations During the Process in Delft

During the **WIA assessment procedure**, rights and obligations ensure fair handling, with local support available through the Municipality of Delft or Juridisch Loket Delft.

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 Delft can assign a local advisor.
  • Right to Inspection: Request your dossier after the assessment to prepare potential objections to the District Court of The Hague.
  • Right to Wage Continuation: You receive wages or an UWV advance during the procedure.

Your Obligations

  • Cooperation: Respond promptly to correspondence and attend appointments; failure to do so may result in rejection (per Article 42 WIA).
  • Provide Accurate Information: Be truthful; inaccuracies can lead to fines or benefit clawbacks.
  • Share Medical Records: Submit documents, such as reports from Delft-based therapists.

Non-compliance may result in UWV sanctions, such as benefit reductions. For guidance, contact the Juridisch Loket Delft.

Practical Examples of the WIA Assessment in Delft

**Example 1:** A 45-year-old technician at a Delft engineering firm suffers chronic back pain after a fall. After two years, their employer reports the case to the UWV. In the questionnaire, they describe their pain and reduced mobility, supported by a scan from the local hospital. During the assessment, the insurance physician concludes they can work at **50% capacity**. The vocational expert considers roles like support work at TU Delft and estimates their remaining earning capacity at **60% of their previous wage**. They receive a **WGA benefit at 70% of the wage difference**.

**Example 2:** An administrative employee at the Municipality of Delft with burnout syndrome provides therapy reports demonstrating recovery potential. The UWV grants a **WGA follow-up benefit**, with mandatory reintegration obligations through local programs.

These examples illustrate how the process is tailored to individual circumstances within Delft’s context.

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.