Sickness Benefits for Flex Workers in Delft
As a flex worker in Delft, such as a temp worker at a local agency or on-call employee in Delft hospitality or at TU Delft events, you can apply for sickness benefits from the UWV if your employer does not (or only partially) continue paying your wages during illness. This safety net provides financial support during your recovery. In this article for Delft residents, we outline the rules with local examples, tips, and referrals to the Legal Aid Office Delft.
What are Sickness Benefits for Residents of Delft?
The ZW benefit is part of the employee insurance schemes and is governed by the Sickness Benefits Act (ZW). It applies to ill flex workers whose employer does not continue paying wages. In Delft, with many temporary jobs in technology, education, and retail, this is relevant because flex contracts often do not require continued payment under Article 7:629 of the Dutch Civil Code. This builds on our general overview Sickness Benefits: Everything You Need to Know.
Legal Framework Specific to Flex Work in Delft
Key laws:
- Sickness Benefits Act (ZW), arts. 16-29: entitlement to benefits.
- SUWI Act: framework for UWV benefits.
- Unemployment Insurance Act (WW): During WW benefits and illness, the 'double ZW' (ZWG) applies.
- Dutch Civil Code art. 7:629: Limited wage continuation obligation for flex workers, e.g., via the ABU collective bargaining agreement for temps in the The Hague-Delft region.
For temp workers without recent payslips, the UWV applies the 'AOW-dependent daily wage rule', which affects your Delft benefit amount.
Eligibility for ZW Benefits as a Flex Worker in Delft
You qualify if:
- Employment requirement: Work in the 36 weeks before illness, e.g., at a Delft company.
- Occupational disability: More than 35% unfit (assessed by UWV insurance physician).
- No wages: Employer does not pay at least 70%.
- Residence: In the Netherlands, such as Delft or the EEA.
Example from Delft: Marieke works as an on-call employee in a café on Oude Delft. She falls ill during her shift. No continued pay, so she successfully applies to the UWV based on her daily wage.
Overview by Flex Worker Type in Delft
| Type of Flex Worker | ZW Entitlement | Delft Example |
|---|---|---|
| Temp Worker | Yes, without pay from agency | Ill during assignment at TU Delft: UWV pays benefits. |
| On-Call Worker | Yes, if ill during contract period | Contract ends: ZW based on employment history. |
| Payroller | Limited, check collective agreement | No continued pay? Then ZW via UWV. |
| Self-Employed (ZZP) | No, opt for VWG | No ZW, but self-employed insurance available. |
Rights and Obligations under ZW in Delft
Rights:
- 70-91% of daily wage (91% in year 1, 70% thereafter).
- UWV reintegration support.
- Protection against dismissal (after 2 years via District Court of The Hague).
Obligations:
- Report: Within 2 days to employer and UWV.
- Cooperate in reintegration (work, therapy).
- Undergo insurance medicine assessment.
- Report changes (new work).
Delft Example: Ahmed, a temp worker at a regional agency, receives ZW after a fall at a work site. Weekly effort declaration required, or benefits stop.
Applying for ZW as a Flex Worker in Delft
- Report in writing to employer (days 1-2).
- Apply via werk.nl (using DigiD).
- Attach payslips/contracts.
- Assessment within 6-8 weeks.
Retroactive from reporting date. For questions: Legal Aid Office Delft (088-9000).
Duration and Amount of ZW Benefits
Duration: Up to 104 weeks.
Amount: Based on daily wage. For €200: €182 (year 1), €140 (thereafter), after deductions. WW combination allowed.
FAQ for Flex Workers in Delft
ZW if on-call contract ends during illness?
Yes, with 36-week employment history. UWV assesses overall.
Temp agency denies entitlement?
Check collective agreement (ABU). No pay? ZW entitlement. Appeal to UWV, or District Court of The Hague if needed.
Deductible for flex workers?
No, but reintegration is mandatory.
Decision timeline for application?
4-8 weeks. Provisional payment if delayed.
Tips for Delft Residents
- Document everything: Keep payslips and reports.
- Report immediately: Days 1-2, or face sanctions.
- Consult Legal Aid Office Delft or Municipality of Delft for extra support.
- Check local collective agreements for the region.