Sickness Benefits Recovery Obligation in Delft: obligations and rights
In Delft, the **recovery obligation** under the **Sickness Benefits Act (ZW)** applies to everyone who is sick without an employer. This rule encourages active recovery in collaboration with your **GP**, specialists and the **UWV**. Failure to cooperate may lead to a reduction or termination of your benefit. This article from the Juridisch Loket Delft (under the district of District Court of The Hague) explains what this entails, the legal basis, examples and what to do in case of problems.
What does the recovery obligation entail under Sickness Benefits in Delft?
The **recovery obligation** is a **statutory duty** for recipients of a **Sickness Benefits** in the Delft region. The benefit compensates for income loss due to illness, but requires active efforts for recovery. You must:
- Follow the instructions of your **treating physician**, such as taking medication, attending therapy or adjusting lifestyle.
- Cooperate in **reintegration** via UWV programs, such as coaching or training in Delft.
- Collaborate with **UWV claims assessors** for assessments and plans.
- Attend appointments with a **UWV insurance physician** for medical examinations.
Regulated in the **Sickness Benefits Act** and associated **Decree**, this prevents long-term absence. In case of non-compliance, UWV in Delft may **sanction** or withdraw your benefit. Contact Juridisch Loket Delft for free advice.
Legal basis of the recovery obligation under Sickness Benefits
Key legislation for Delft (district District Court of The Hague):
- Sickness Benefits Act (ZW): Article 14 specifies recovery rules for benefit recipients.
- Sickness Benefits Act Decree: Details on implementation, UWV checks and sanctions.
- Work and Care Act (WWZ): Reintegration after 2 years of illness, relevant for long-term sick in Delft.
The **UWV office** (accessible for Delft) monitors compliance and may impose measures. In case of objection: assistance from Juridisch Loket Delft or proceedings at District Court of The Hague.
Practical examples of recovery obligation in Delft
Concrete situations from Delft practice:
Example 1: Refusing reintegration program
Case: UWV Delft offers a local **reintegration program** (e.g. workfit track). Obligation: Participation is mandatory, unless contraindicated by a physician. Sanction: Refusal leads to **50% reduction** in benefit (first 4 weeks) or termination.
Example 2: Failing to attend UWV physician
Case: No-show for **UWV medical examination** in Zoetermeer (for Delft). Obligation: Attend, unless medically impossible. Sanction: UWV classifies as non-cooperative; benefit **suspended**.
Example 3: Ignoring medication
Case: Physician in Delft prescribes therapy, but you do not comply. Obligation: Comply with medical advice. Sanction: Upon repeated UWV check: benefit **limited**.
What if UWV sanctions your benefit? Objection in Delft
Received a sanction? File an **objection** within 4 weeks with UWV. Free assistance via Juridisch Loket Delft (address: [branch info], tel: 0900-8020). If rejected: appeal to District Court of The Hague, Administrative Law Division (location The Hague, district Delft).
Your rights under the recovery obligation
- Protect medically confidential information.
- Refuse unreasonable demands with a physician's statement.
- Assistance from **legal aid** via Juridisch Loket Delft.
Tip for Delft: Report illness immediately to UWV and cooperate. For questions: visit Juridisch Loket Delft or call UWV. Source: ZW legislation 2023.