Are you sick and do you receive a sick leave allowance (ZW) from the UWV? Then a decision by the UWV can have major consequences. Perhaps you are told that your allowance is terminated, is not granted, or that you can work again according to the UWV . Many people then wonder: What are my rights? And what can I do against a decision by the UWV?
In this article, you will read everything you need to know about the Sick Leave Act, when you are entitled to it, how the UWV decides, and what you can do if you disagree with a decision.
What is the Sick Leave Act?
The Sick Leave Act is a safety net scheme for employees who are sick, but (temporarily) have no employer who pays their wages. You may be entitled to a sickness benefit if:
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Your contract has ended while you were still sick.
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You become ill as a temporary worker.
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You have a call or zero-hour contract without sickness pay.
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You get sick within 28 days after the end of your employment.
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You get sick as a pregnant or after birth.
The sick leave benefit is executed by the UWV.
How does the UWV decide on a sick leave benefit?
The UWV looks at:
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Whether you are unfit for work for the work you did before you got sick.
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The reports of a insurance doctor and a labor expert.
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Your medical data and your limitations.
Based on this, the UWV decides whether you are entitled to benefits, or whether the benefits stop.
Common decisions of the UWV
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Rejection of the sick leave allowance
→ The UWV thinks you are not sick enough or that you are not entitled to the Sick Leave Act. -
Termination of the sick leave allowance
→ The UWV believes that you can work again. -
Reassessment during the sickness benefit
→ You are summoned again for a medical examination. The UWV may decide to reduce or stop the benefit. -
Recollection
→ The UWV believes that you have unjustly received Sick Leave Act and wants the money back.
What can you do in case of a negative decision?
Do you disagree with the UWV? Then you can take steps:
1. Make an objection
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Within 6 weeks after the decision.
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Write clearly why you disagree.
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Attach medical information (e.g. from your general practitioner or specialist).
2. Attend a hearing
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During the objection procedure, you often receive an invitation to a hearing.
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You can explain your situation there.
3. Appeal to the court
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If the objection is rejected, you can go to the judge.
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A lawyer can represent you here.
Practical examples
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Example 1: A temporary worker was told by the UWV that he could work again. Our specialized lawyer demonstrated with medical reports that this was incorrect. The allowance was restored.
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Example 2: A single mother lost her sick leave allowance because she had too light complaints according to the UWV. On appeal, the judge found that the medical examination was negligent, so she was entitled to the allowance after all.
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Example 3: An employee received a recollection of thousands of euros. After objections, it turned out that the UWV had made a mistake. The recollection decision was annulled.
Checklist: what to do if your sick leave stops?
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📄 Read the decision of the UWV carefully.
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⏳ Note the 6 week objection period.
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📑 Collect medical data and statements from your treatment providers.
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✍️ Make an objection (preferably through a lawyer).
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⚖️ Consider an appeal if the objection is rejected.
Specialized UWV lawyers at Arslan Lawyers
Litigating against the UWV is complex. Our specialized UWV lawyers have years of experience with Sick Leave Act cases and know how the UWV assesses. We work together with medical experts and labor experts to make your file strong.
In addition, the costs for legal assistance are often reimbursed, for example if you qualify for subsidized legal assistance or if the UWV has to pay (part of) the costs in case of a valid objection.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
1. How long does a sick leave allowance last?
Usually a maximum of 104 weeks, depending on your situation.
2. Can the UWV just stop my benefit?
Yes, if they think you can work again. You can object to this.
3. Do I have to go to the UWV’s examining doctor?
Yes, this is mandatory. However, you may submit additional medical information.
4. What if I submit my objection too late?
Then your chance expires. Only in exceptional cases can you still be admitted.
5. Who pays the lawyer in a UWV procedure?
Often the costs are reimbursed via addition (subsidized legal assistance) or by the UWV itself if you are right.
Why Arslan Lawyers?
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Specialized UWV lawyers with experience in Sick Leave Act procedures.
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Assistance in objection, appeal, and higher appeal.
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Collaboration with medical specialists and labor experts.
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Often free of charge or largely reimbursed.
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Personal and involved: we are completely on your side.
Conclusion
The Sick Leave Act provides an important financial safety net scheme, but the UWV decides strictly and sometimes unjustly. If your allowance is stopped, refused or recollected? Then it is important to take immediate action. With the help of a specialized UWV lawyer from Arslan Lawyers, you increase your chance of a fair outcome.
