Can I choose my own reintegration agency?
- 25/03/2026
- Posted by: Rosalie Derksen
- Category: Uncategorized
As an employee, you have limited influence over the choice of reintegration agency. In practice, your employer determines which agency is engaged for your reintegration trajectory in both tracks. For both track 1 and track 2 reintegration, the employer makes this decision, with the exception of a few specific situations. However, you do have rights during the reintegration process and options to object when the support proves unsuitable.
What Determines Who Chooses the Reintegration Agency?
In most cases, the employer determines which reintegration agency is engaged for employees on long-term sick leave. This applies especially during the first two years of absenteeism, when the employer remains responsible for continued salary payments and reintegration.
The legal frameworks distinguish between different situations. During the first 104 weeks of sick leave, full responsibility lies with the employer. The occupational health physician draws up a problem analysis no later than the sixth week of absence, after which the employer and employee together draw up an action plan no later than week eight. Based on this, the employer organises appropriate reintegration support and selects the agency to be engaged.
For employees without an employer, such as benefit recipients, the UWV takes over this role. The UWV then determines which occupational expert or reintegration agency is deployed for the return to work. For unemployment benefits with reintegration obligations, the UWV also makes the choice of support.
Financial responsibility plays an important role in this decision-making. Whoever pays generally also determines which organisation is engaged. This explains why employers typically choose the agency that best fits their budget and expectations.
When Do You as an Employee Have Influence Over the Choice?
As an employee, you have the most influence during the intake interview and when evaluating your reintegration trajectory. Although you cannot choose the agency yourself, you can make clear what kind of support suits you and what you need for a successful return to work.
Concrete moments where you can express your preferences: during the problem analysis you can indicate which obstacles you are experiencing, when drawing up the action plan you have a say in the goals, and during evaluation moments you can indicate whether the approach is effective.
Some employers actively ask for the employee’s preference, especially at larger organisations that work with multiple reintegration agencies. You can always submit a motivated request to your employer if you have specific reasons for a particular type of support, think of specialisation in your condition or experience with your professional field. UFIND regularly works on behalf of employers who consciously choose an agency with in-depth expertise in complex reintegration situations.
What Are Your Rights During the Reintegration Trajectory?
You are entitled to appropriate, professional support that matches your situation and capabilities. The Wet verbetering poortwachter (Gatekeeper Improvement Act) grants employees various rights during reintegration, regardless of which agency has been chosen.
Your rights include a thorough problem analysis (no later than week 6), a say in the action plan, transparent communication about goals and expectations, support from qualified occupational experts, and regular evaluation of your progress. Adjustments to the trajectory are possible if the approach is not working.
You can also request a second opinion if you have doubts about the suitability of the proposed approach. This can be done through your GP, occupational health physician, or an independent occupational expert. At UFIND, we align seamlessly with this: our support is always transparent and verifiable, so you know exactly what to expect.
How Does Track 1 Differ From Track 2 Reintegration?
Track 1 reintegration focuses on returning to your current employer, while track 2 is about finding work with a different organisation.
With track 1, you remain employed by your current employer. She chooses the reintegration agency and pays for the support. The goal is to return as quickly as possible to adapted or alternative work within the same organisation.
Track 2 begins when it becomes clear that returning to your own employer is not possible. The employer remains responsible for choosing the reintegration agency and for the costs, as long as she is still paying your salary. UFIND specialises in track 2 trajectories and guides employees step by step towards suitable work outside their own organisation. With over 20 years of experience, our coaches know exactly which route works, even in complex situations.
What Can You Do If You Are Not Satisfied With the Chosen Support?
You can file a complaint with your employer or the UWV, depending on who is responsible for your trajectory. Start by discussing your concerns directly with your reintegration coach, document concrete examples of inadequate support, and if necessary submit a formal complaint. In cases of structural problems, you can submit a request to switch to a different agency, provided it is well substantiated.
You can also contact the complaints committee of the reintegration agency or, for UWV trajectories, make use of the objection procedure. Remember: you always have the right to support that is professional and effective.
Are you finding that your current trajectory has stalled? Feel free to get in touch with UFIND. We are happy to think along with you about what could be improved, even if we are not yet your agency.
How UFIND Helps With Reintegration Choices
Whether you have been referred to us by your employer or are looking for information yourself: at UFIND, your situation comes first. We understand that successful reintegration requires a personal approach, especially in track 2 trajectories where the step towards a new employer can feel significant.
Our approach is characterised by dedicated coaching, where one fixed coach guides you throughout the entire trajectory, the ACT methodology for turning obstacles into positive action, compact programmes that preserve energy and momentum, and specialisation in complex reintegration situations.
With over 20 years of experience in labour market support, our coaches combine proven methodologies with genuine attention for you as a person. Would you like to know whether and how UFIND can strengthen your trajectory? contact us to discuss your specific needs and learn how we can support your return to meaningful employment.