A decision by the UWV can have major consequences for your income and future. Consider the refusal or termination of a WIA benefit, a denial under the Sickness Benefits Act, or a wage sanction for your employer. Often such a decision is unjustified or made without due care. Fortunately, you can lodge an objection and appeal.

At Arslan Advocaten work specialized UWV-lawyers who litigate against the UWV daily. We know how the UWV works, which mistakes are often made and how we can maximize your chances in objection and appeal.

In this article you will read everything about legal proceedings against the UWV, the role of a lawyer, practical examples and a handy checklist.

When will you have to deal with the UWV?

The UWV decides on various employee insurance schemes:

• Sickness Benefits Act (ZW): if you are ill and no longer have an employer.

• WIA (IVA or WGA): in case of incapacity for work longer than 2 years.

• WW: in case of unemployment.

• WAO (old cases).

• Wage sanction: if, according to the UWV, your employer did too little for reintegration.

A negative decision by the UWV can mean that you end up without income.

What procedures are there against the UWV?

1. Objection

• You have 6 weeks to file an objection against a UWV decision (sometimes shorter, e.g. 2 weeks).

• Another department of the UWV reviews your case again.

• Often there is a hearing at which you can explain your position orally.

2. Appeal to the court

• If your objection is rejected, you can appeal to the administrative court.

• The judge assesses whether the UWV has acted with due care and in accordance with the law.

3. Appeal

• Against the court’s decision, you can lodge an appeal with the Central Appeals Tribunal.

• This is the highest court for social security cases.

Why hire a UWV lawyer?

A specialized lawyer can make the difference:

• Experience with UWV errors: lawyers know which medical and occupational expert errors are often made.

• Strong objection letter: the substantive grounds in the objection are crucial. A lawyer ensures a well-substantiated case file.

• Support at the hearing: you are not on your own and are represented professionally.

• Appeal and higher appeal: if necessary, the lawyer will also conduct the proceedings in court.

• Costs often reimbursed: if an objection or appeal is well-founded, the UWV must reimburse (part of) the costs. In addition, you may be eligible for a legal aid grant (subsidized legal assistance).

Specialized UWV lawyers at Arslan Advocaten

Not every lawyer is specialized in proceedings against the UWV. This area of law – the social security law – is complex and requires up-to-date knowledge of legislation, medical assessments and case law.

Our specialized UWV lawyers:

• Have many years of experience with objection and appeal proceedings against the UWV.

• Are fully up to date on the latest developments in the WIA, Sickness Benefits Act (Ziektewet), and Unemployment Insurance (WW).

• Work closely with medical experts and occupational experts to make your case as strong as possible.

• Regularly litigate successfully before the court and the Central Appeals Tribunal.

With us, you are therefore assured of a lawyer who knows the UWV “inside and out” and knows exactly how to best defend your rights.

Examples from practice

• Example 1: An employee was awarded only 20% disability. Our lawyer demonstrated with medical reports that this was incorrect. Result: full WIA benefit.

• Example 2: An employer was given a one-year wage sanction. On appeal, it was shown that all reintegration efforts had indeed been made. The wage sanction was lifted.

• Example 3: A single mother lost her Sickness Benefit (Ziektewet). After objection and an appeal to the court, the decision was overturned and she received her benefit retroactively.

Checklist: what to do after a decision by the UWV?

• 📄 Read the letter from the UWV carefully.

• ⏳ Note the objection deadline (usually 6 weeks).

• 📑 Gather medical and occupational expert documents.

• ✍️ Have a specialized lawyer draft a strong notice of objection.

• ⚖️ Appeal if the objection is rejected.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. How much time do I have to object to a UWV decision?
Usually 6 weeks. Sometimes a shorter period of 2 weeks applies (so pay close attention to the letter!).

2. Can I file an objection myself without a lawyer?
Yes, you can. But a specialized lawyer knows the pitfalls and significantly increases your chance of success.

3. How much does a UWV lawyer cost?
Often the costs are (partly) reimbursed by the UWV if you win. In addition, subsidized legal aid or coverage through your legal expenses insurance may be available.

4. Is an objection worthwhile if the UWV has already conducted a medical examination?
Yes, medical examinations are often incomplete or assessed incorrectly. Your lawyer can provide a second opinion or independent expertise.

5. What if I miss the objection deadline?
Then your chance of recovery is much smaller. Only in exceptional cases (e.g., medical reasons) can you still be admitted.

Why Arslan Advocaten?

• Specialized UWV attorneys on staff.

• Many years of experience with objections, appeals, and higher appeals.

• Experience with all types of UWV cases: WIA, Sickness Benefits Act, WW, and wage sanctions.

• Collaboration with medical specialists and labor experts.

• High success rate thanks to knowledge and litigation experience.

• Often free of charge or with costs reimbursed for clients.

Conclusion

A negative decision from the UWV can have far-reaching consequences. Fortunately, you do not have to face it alone. With the help of the specialized UWV lawyers from Arslan Advocaten you can file an objection, lodge an appeal, and fight for your rights.