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How does the WIA application work?

  • 04/03/2026
  • Posted by: Rosalie Derksen
  • Category: Geen onderdeel van een categorie
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Hoe werkt de WIA aanvraag

If you have been on long-term sick leave and are no longer able to work fully, you may be eligible to apply for a WIA benefit. The WIA (Work and Income according to Labour Capacity Act) is a Dutch social insurance scheme for employees who cannot work, or can only work partially, due to illness or disability.

Many employees wonder: how does a WIA application work, when should you apply, and what happens during the assessment? In this guide, we explain step by step how the WIA procedure works, which benefits exist, and what you can expect during the process.

What Is the WIA?

The WIA is a benefit for employees who are still unable to work, or can only work partially, after a long period of illness. The scheme applies to employees who remain partially or fully incapacitated for work after two years of sick leave.

The WIA is administered by the UWV.

You may qualify for a WIA benefit if:

  • you are assessed as at least 35% occupationally disabled
  • you have been sick for nearly two years
  • you were employed when your illness began

After the assessment, the UWV determines whether you are entitled to a WIA benefit and which type of benefit applies to your situation.

When Should You Apply for a WIA Benefit?

You must apply for a WIA benefit yourself when you have almost reached two years of sick leave.

The most important moments in the process are:

  • Week 88 of illness: you receive a letter from the UWV with information about the WIA application
  • Week 93 of illness: the latest moment to submit your WIA application
  • Week 104 of illness: the employer’s obligation to continue paying wages usually ends

It is important to submit the application on time. If you apply too late, this may affect the start date of your benefit.

Which Documents Are Required for a WIA Application?

When applying for a WIA benefit, several documents must be submitted. The most important one is the reintegration report.

This report contains information about the reintegration process during the first two years of illness, such as:

  • the reintegration action plan
  • evaluations of the reintegration progress
  • reports from consultations with the company doctor
  • information about Track 1 and, if applicable, Track 2 reintegration

You will receive copies of these documents from your employer. You are responsible for submitting a complete application to the UWV.

What Happens After You Submit a WIA Application?

After you apply, the UWV assesses whether you are entitled to a WIA benefit. This assessment generally consists of two parts.

1. Medical assessment by an insurance physician

First, you will usually have an appointment with an insurance physician from the UWV. During this appointment, the physician evaluates:

  • your medical complaints and limitations
  • treatments and recovery expectations
  • what activities you are still able to perform at work

The physician records these limitations in a document called the Functional Abilities List (FML).

2. Assessment by a labour expert

Next, a labour expert assesses which types of work you may still be able to perform given your limitations. This evaluation considers:

  • your education and work experience
  • jobs that may still be suitable for you
  • how much income you could theoretically still earn

Based on this information, the UWV determines your percentage of occupational disability.

When Are You Entitled to a WIA Benefit?

You may receive a WIA benefit if you are unable to earn more than 65% of your previous salary. This means you must be assessed as at least 35% occupationally disabled.

If you are assessed as less than 35% occupationally disabled, you are not eligible for a WIA benefit.

In some cases, the UWV may decide that the employer did not make sufficient reintegration efforts. If this happens, the UWV can impose a wage sanction, requiring the employer to continue paying wages for up to an additional year.

Which Types of WIA Benefits Exist?

There are two different benefits within the WIA system.

WGA – Return to Work for Partially Disabled Employees

The WGA benefit is intended for people who can still work partially or who may be able to work again in the future.

Within the WGA scheme there are three phases:

  1. Wage-related benefit
    • A temporary benefit of approximately 70% of the last earned wage.
    • The duration ranges from 3 to 24 months, depending on your employment history.
  2. Wage supplement benefit
    • If you work and earn at least 50% of your remaining earning capacity.
  3. Follow-up benefit
    • If you work little or not at all while still having the ability to work.

IVA – Benefit for Fully and Permanently Disabled Employees

The IVA benefit is intended for people who:

  • are 80–100% occupationally disabled
  • and are permanently unable to work

The IVA benefit equals 75% of the last earned wage.

How Long Does the WIA Assessment Take?

After submitting your WIA application, the UWV reviews your case and makes a decision. In practice, this process usually takes several months.

During this period you may:

  • receive invitations for meetings with an insurance physician
  • have an appointment with a labour expert
  • be asked to provide additional information

Once the UWV has made a decision, you will receive an official written determination.

What Can You Do If Your WIA Application Is Rejected?

If you disagree with the decision made by the UWV, you have the right to file an objection.

The procedure generally works as follows:

  1. File an objection with the UWV – within six weeks after the decision
  2. Appeal to the court – if the objection is rejected
  3. Further appeal to the Central Appeals Tribunal

In these situations it may be helpful to seek legal advice or gather additional medical evidence.

How UFIND Supports WIA Processes and return-to-work track 2

UFIND supports people dealing with work disability throughout the entire WIA process. We offer specialized guidance during WIA procedures, preparation for medical assessments, and reintegration into suitable work. Our ACT methodology helps you manage stress and uncertainty during this challenging period.

Our support includes:

  • Guidance during the WIA procedure – Assistance with completing forms and preparing for assessments.
  • Track 2 reintegration – Tailored programs to help you find new employment opportunities.
  • ACT training – Strengthening mental resilience and reducing work-related stress.
  • Personal coaching – One dedicated coach supports you throughout the entire process.
  • Labour market expertise – Insight into job opportunities and career options for people with work limitations.

We believe in the potential of people, even when they have been unable to work due to illness. Our experience with complex situations and proven methodologies helps you regain perspective on work and income.

Contact us for a no-obligation conversation about how we can support you during your WIA process and your return to the labour market.

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