Conditions for an IVA Benefit in Amsterdam
An IVA benefit, or Income Provision for Fully Incapacitated Workers, supports residents of Amsterdam who are fully and permanently disabled due to illness or a disability. This scheme provides financial stability for those who can no longer work in a vibrant city like Amsterdam. In this article, we highlight the conditions for an IVA benefit, focusing on local support through the Juridisch Loket Amsterdam. As a supplement to our overview of the IVA benefit for fully disabled workers, we cover the requirements, including tips for a successful application in the Amsterdam region.
What does an IVA Benefit entail for Amsterdam residents?
The IVA benefit is part of the Work and Income according to Capacity Act (WIA) and is intended for employees who remain fully disabled after two years of illness in Amsterdam and have no realistic prospect of returning to work. Unlike the WGA benefit for partial disability, the IVA targets cases with no recovery potential, such as long-term conditions in a demanding environment like the capital. The benefit amounts to 75% of your last salary and typically lasts for life, unless your circumstances change.
Legal basis of the IVA Benefit
The IVA benefit is established in the WIA, specifically in articles 43 to 50. The Employee Insurance Agency (UWV) handles the assessment, but Amsterdam residents can appeal to the Amsterdam District Court for objections in complex cases. The Gatekeeper Improvement Act (articles 2:3 to 2:25 of the SUWI Act) requires employers and employees in Amsterdam to make re-integration efforts during the first two years of illness, often with help from local occupational health services.
Under article 43 of the WIA, you qualify if, after 104 weeks of illness, you are at least 80% disabled and this is sustainable—meaning it will last longer than five years without any chance of recovery. "Sustainable" here does not mean permanent, but rather a long-term lack of job opportunities, which is particularly relevant in the dynamic Amsterdam job market.
Key conditions for an IVA Benefit in Amsterdam
For an IVA benefit in Amsterdam, there are medical, vocational, and administrative requirements. We will go through them, with insights specific to the local context.
Medical requirements
You must be fully disabled due to illness or a disability, as assessed by a UWV insurance physician based on your records and prognosis. The disability must be sustainable, with no prospect of improvement. Examples include chronic conditions like multiple sclerosis or severe mental health issues, which are common amid the stresses of urban life in Amsterdam. The Juridisch Loket Amsterdam can assist in preparing your medical documents.
Vocational requirements
A UWV vocational expert evaluates whether your profile matches jobs in the Amsterdam region. For IVA, you must be able to earn less than 20% of your previous salary in suitable work. The Claim Assessment for Disability (CBA) uses job examples; in Amsterdam, with its diverse economy, this is strictly tested against alternatives like office work or light services.
Administrative and insurance requirements
- You must be insured under the WIA, typically as an employee or benefit recipient.
- Submit your application within two months after 104 weeks to the UWV; the Juridisch Loket Amsterdam offers free guidance for this.
- Both you and your employer must demonstrate re-integration efforts through a report; in Amsterdam, the municipality sometimes provides additional programs.
Failing to make these efforts can lead to penalties, reducing your chances for IVA—seek local advice to avoid this.
Practical examples of IVA conditions in Amsterdam
Consider a 45-year-old nurse from Amsterdam with a back injury, unable to lift or stand in busy hospitals. After two years of rehabilitation at local clinics, the physician determines no recovery is possible. The UWV confirms 100% disability with no alternative work in the city, so IVA is granted.
Or an IT specialist from Amsterdam suffering from burnout due to high work pressure. Therapy doesn’t help; the UWV sees no job prospects in the tech sector, so IVA applies. However, if part-time options exist, you might fall under WGA instead. Many Amsterdam residents struggle with incomplete files—the Juridisch Loket Amsterdam advises ensuring full documentation.
Rights and obligations under IVA in Amsterdam
Rights:
- 75% of your daily wage, adjusted annually.
- No routine reassessments, unless improvement occurs.
- Supplements such as travel expenses, or local assistance through the Amsterdam municipality for additional support.
- Report any changes in health or income immediately to the UWV.
- Cooperate with checks and reviews.
- You may work up to 20% of your former salary, but report it; in Amsterdam, this could lead to hybrid support options.
Violating these can risk termination; the Juridisch Loket Amsterdam helps with disputes.
Comparison of IVA with other benefits
For clarity, we compare IVA with WGA:
| Aspect | IVA Benefit | WGA Benefit |
|---|---|---|
| Disability level | >80% and sustainable | 35-80%, not sustainable |
| Amount | 75% of daily wage | 70% or wage-related, depending on the case |
| Duration | Lifelong (no reassessment) | Temporary, with reassessment |
| Conditions | Fully and permanently disabled, with proof of re-integration | Partially disabled, focused on recovery |
Veelgestelde vragen
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