WIA

On 1 January 2006, the Disability Insurance Act (WAO) was replaced by the Work and Income according to Labour Capacity Act (WIA). The WAO remains in force for persons who were declared disabled prior to 2004.

The WIA is intended for (ex-) employees under the age of 65 who were disabled for at least 35 percent. The qualifying period for the WIA is two years and consists of two provisions:

• The so-called ‘income provision for people who have been registered as being completely and permanently incapable of work due to disability’ (IVA). This is a benefit intended for disabled (ex-) employees capable to earn an income up to a maximum of 20 percent of their last wage, provided they have a remote chance of recovery in the long run.

• ‘the scheme governing re-employment of people with a partial disability’ (WGA). This is a scheme for (ex-) employees who are able to earn between 20 and 65 percent of their last wage. (Ex-) employees who are completely, but not permanently disabled also depend on WGA benefits.