Calculating WGA Phases: Your Benefit and Work Capacity in Amsterdam
With a WGA benefit in Amsterdam, your work capacity is assessed in phases by the UWV. These phases determine your entitlement and the amount of the benefit. Learn how the calculation works, what your rights are and where you can go in Amsterdam for assistance.
In Amsterdam, if you are partially incapacitated for work and receive a WGA benefit via the UWV, your situation is assessed in phases in accordance with the Work and Income according to Labour Capacity Act (WIA). This article explains how these phases work in the Amsterdam region, how your benefit is calculated and which local institutions can assist you, such as the Amsterdam District Court at Parnassusweg 220 or the Legal Aid Office at Vijzelstraat 77.
What are the WGA phases in Amsterdam?
The UWV assesses your residual earning capacity in Amsterdam in three phases:
- Phase 1: Wage-related benefit — You can earn less than 65% of your old wage. Duration: max. 2 years.
- Phase 2: Wage-supplement benefit — You can earn 65-80%, but earn less due to illness. UWV supplements to 80% of old wage.
- Phase 3: Follow-up benefit — You can earn more than 80%, but are not doing suitable work. Fixed % of maximum daily wage.
This classification determines your monthly benefit and how much you may earn on the side without reduction.
Legal Basis WIA
The phases are regulated in the WIA:
- Article 15 WIA — Definitions of incapacity for work.
- Article 16 WIA — Assessment criteria.
- Article 17 WIA — Benefit phases.
- Article 18 WIA — Taking income into account.
In Amsterdam, UWV guidelines follow national rules, with attention to the urban labour market.
How does UWV determine your phase?
UWV Amsterdam bases the assessment on medical file, work history and labour market scan. An insurance doctor and labour expert establish your capacity for work.
Assessment Steps
- Medical examination — Interview and examination by UWV doctor.
- Job analysis — Analysis of old job and education.
- Amsterdam labour market scan — Available jobs in the North Holland region.
- Phase classification — Determination of residual capacity in %.
Examples of WGA Phases in Amsterdam
Practical examples from the Amsterdam context:
| Phase | Description | Amsterdam Example | Benefit |
|---|---|---|---|
| Phase 1 | <65% earning capacity | Former office worker with chronic pain cannot work 8 hours due to home working restrictions. | 70% old wage, 1-2 years. |
| Phase 2 | 65-80% capacity | Physiotherapist can only work half days due to back complaints, earns less. | Supplement to 80% old wage. |
| Phase 3 | >80% capacity | Former hospitality staff can do full-time lighter work but no vacancies found. | 35% maximum daily wage, not wage-related. |
Local Assistance in Amsterdam
Amsterdam District Court, Parnassusweg 220 — For objections to UWV decisions.
Amsterdam Legal Aid Office, Vijzelstraat 77 — Free advice on WGA rights (tel: 020-5338433).
Contact UWV Amsterdam for a personal calculation. If dissatisfied: file objection within 6 weeks.