Sickness Benefits Recovery Obligation in Amsterdam: obligations and rights
In Amsterdam, the **recovery obligation** under the **Sickness Benefits Act (ZW)** is strictly enforced for those receiving benefits without an employer. You must cooperate with your **GP**, specialists and **UWV Amsterdam** to accelerate recovery and promote return to work. Failure to cooperate? Then you risk sanctions via **District Court Amsterdam** (Parnassusweg 220). This article discusses rules, basis and local options such as the **Legal Aid Office Amsterdam** (Vijzelstraat 77).
What does the recovery obligation entail under Sickness Benefits in Amsterdam?
For Amsterdammers with **Sickness Benefits**, the **recovery obligation** is a binding legal requirement. You replace income due to illness, but must proactively recover. This includes:
- Following prescriptions from your **GP** or specialist in Amsterdam (e.g. medication, therapy or rehabilitation at local clinics).
- Participation in **reintegration** via UWV Amsterdam, such as workshops in the region or lifestyle adjustments.
- Cooperation with **UWV medical advisor** during assessments at the UWV office in Amsterdam-Zuidoost.
- Active role in evaluations to test work capacity.
Regulated in the **Sickness Benefits Act** and **Decree ZW**, UWV Amsterdam monitors compliance to prevent long-term absence. Sanctions: benefit **suspension** or **termination**.
Legal basis of the recovery obligation
Core laws for Amsterdam:
- Sickness Benefits Act (ZW) article 14: Basic recovery duty for benefit recipients.
- Decree ZW: Implementation, including UWV checks and sanctions.
- Work and Care Act (WWZ): Reintegration after 2 years, relevant for long-term illness.
**UWV Amsterdam** supervises; objection? To **District Court Amsterdam, Parnassusweg 220**. Free advice: **Legal Aid Office Amsterdam, Vijzelstraat 77**.
Practical examples of recovery obligation in Amsterdam
Example 1: Refusing reintegration trajectory
Case: UWV Amsterdam offers **reintegration trajectory**, such as training with local employers. Obligation: Participate, unless doctor objects. Sanction: Benefit **reduced**; appeal to District Court Amsterdam.
Example 2: Skipping UWV medical assessment
Case: Summoned for assessment with **UWV medical advisor** in Amsterdam. Obligation: Attend, otherwise medical non-advice required. Sanction: Benefit **terminated**; assistance via Legal Aid Office.
Example 3: Ignoring medical advice
Case: GP in Amsterdam prescribes physiotherapy in the Jordaan. Obligation: Follow and report to UWV. Sanction: Sanction after check; appeal possible at **District Court Amsterdam**.
What if sanctioned in Amsterdam?
File objection with UWV within 4 weeks. Rejection? Appeal to **District Court Amsterdam, Parnassusweg 220**. Seek free assistance at **Legal Aid Office Amsterdam, Vijzelstraat 77** or lawyers specialised in social security law.
Tips for Amsterdammers
- Document everything: doctor's statements, UWV correspondence.
- Make an appointment at **Legal Aid Office** for personal advice.
- Consider mediation via UWV for quick resolution.