It should be noted that when suffering an illness in the Netherlands, the Dutch government has a far-reaching social security system, offering a safety-net for when things can go badly wrong; its basic principle however is getting people back to work as soon as possible, also referring to illness in the Netherlands and recovery times.
Entitlement to benefits and allowances under the social security schemes when suffering an illness in the Netherlands apply to the individual the moment that premiums or deductions have been paid for. These benefits and rights to the benefits when suffering illness in the Netherlands in the Netherlands depend on the way in which you are working in the European Union and for how long the contractor or employee has been working there.
The employer in the Netherlands will deduct premiums from the employee for time when subject to illness in the Netherlands as per the Dutch Social Security Legislation. Independent contractors, referred to as ZZP in Dutch, only have to be insured for AOW (Old Age Pension), exceptional medical expenses (AWBZ), surviving dependent’s benefits (ANW) and family allowances. For independent contractors, supplementary insurance will need to be taken out to cover illness in the Netherlands and occupational disability. Independent contractors are also not insured against unemployment.
If you work in the Netherlands as an employer or for a company based in your country of origin then you may continue to be socially insured in your home country; you will need to have an E101 declaration to do this, however.
Getting paid while suffering Illness in the Netherlands
If you suffer an illness in the Netherlands and can’t work, then Dutch employers will continue to pay the wage for a maximum of two years, the amount payable being at least 70% of the individual’s salary. The CAO (Collective Labour Agreement) or the employment contract should outline the given salary during illness in the Netherlands.
It is expected of you to do everything possible in your power to resume work again as quickly as possible, your employer will guide you on this or you will be advised by a specialized occupational health and safety service, also known in the Netherlands as an ARBO.
If your employment contract should expire during your time off when suffering an illness in the Netherlands or when working for a Dutch temporary employment agency, then you could be entitled to sickness benefit from the Institute of Employee Benefit (UWV) schemes – the employer will notify the UWV on which employees are ill.
Should you become ill when back in your home country then you must report as ill to the relevant organisaiton in the home country that pays out benefits during illness. This organisaiton will arrange a health check for you while suffering illness in the Netherlands.
If you have an E101 declaration then rules from another EU/EEA treaty country will apply to you. This means that you will receive benefits in accordance with the rules of the country that issued the form to the individual (usually the home country or country of origin); you should report as being subjected to illness in the Netherlands in accordance with the rules imposed within and by that country.
Recovering at home from your Illness in the Netherlands
Should you become catch an illness in the Netherlands and want to recover or recuperate in your home country then you will need to seek permission from the employers’ health and safety organisaiton (ARBO) or employee benefit (UWV). After arranging a medical examination, a doctor will have to verify that this will not delay recovery from your illness in the Netherlands.
If you are out of action for more than two years due to illness in the Netherlands then you can request an occupational disability benefit (WIA) for the employee benefit office – the UWV. This can be applied for if you are work disabled to a 35% extent or higher (whether caused by illness in the Netherlands or not), the UWV sending out an application form for benefit help. A doctor will determine the extent of your abilities with the UWV carrying out an assessment of the individuals’ disability related to illness in the Netherlands or not. Should a person be deemed more than 35% work-disabled then the individual could be considered for an occupational disability benefit in the individuals’ home country – this will be deducted from the Dutch benefit amount.
For more information on Working in Netherlands or Contracting in Europe visit the Euro Accountancy & Finance Services website.
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