Sickness Benefits for Flex Workers in Amsterdam

Sickness Benefits for Flex Workers in Amsterdam

As a flex worker in Amsterdam, such as a temp agency worker in the city or an on-call worker in the vibrant hospitality sector, you can apply for sickness benefits from the UWV if your employer does not pay (or pays too little) wages during illness. This safety net provides financial security. In this article, we explain the rules with Amsterdam-specific examples, tips, and referrals to local support such as the Juridisch Loket Amsterdam.

What are Sickness Benefits for Amsterdam residents?

The ZW benefit is part of the employee insurance schemes and is governed by the Sickness Benefits Act (ZW). It applies to sick flex workers whose employer does not continue paying wages. In Amsterdam, with its many temporary jobs in tourism and logistics, this is particularly relevant for temp agency workers or payroll employees without fixed wage continuation arrangements.

Normally, an employer must pay at least 70% of the wages during the first two years of illness (Article 7:629 of the Dutch Civil Code), but flex contracts often do not provide this. The UWV steps in. This builds on our overview Sickness Benefits: everything you need to know.

Legal Framework Specific to Flex Work in Amsterdam

Key laws:

• Sickness Benefits Act (ZW), Articles 16-29: basic right to benefits.
• SUWI: framework for UWV assistance.
• WW: For WW recipients who fall ill, the 'double ZW' (ZWG) applies.
• Civil Code Article 7:629: Limited wage continuation for flex contracts, e.g., via the ABU collective agreement for temp agencies in Amsterdam.

Temp workers in the region can use the 'AOW-dependent daily wage regulation' if pay slips are unavailable.

Eligibility for ZW as an Amsterdam Flex Worker

You qualify if:

1. Employment requirement: Work performed in the 36 weeks prior to illness.
2. Occupational disability: More than 35% unfit (assessed by UWV insurance physician).
3. No wages: Employer does not pay at least 70%.
4. Residence: Netherlands or EEA, ideal for Amsterdam residents.

Amsterdam practice: Lisa is an on-call worker at a café on Dam Square. She falls ill during her shift. No wages from employer, so she applies to the UWV. After assessment, she receives ZW based on her daily wage.

Overview by Flex Worker Type in Amsterdam

Rights and Obligations under ZW in Amsterdam

Rights:

• 70-91% of daily wage (91% in year 1, 70% thereafter).
• UWV reintegration support, locally via partners.
• Protection against dismissal after 2 years of illness (District Court of Amsterdam in disputes).

Obligations:

• Report: Within 2 days to employer and UWV.
• Reintegration (work trial, therapy).
• Undergo insurance medicine assessment.
• Report changes (new work).

Amsterdam example: Jamal, a temp worker at a Zuidoost agency, receives ZW after a fall. Weekly effort declaration required; non-compliance ends benefits.

Applying for ZW as a Flex Worker in Amsterdam

1. Report illness in writing to employer (within 2 days).
2. Apply via werk.nl (using DigiD).
3. Upload pay slips/contracts.
4. Assessment within 6-8 weeks.

Retroactive from reporting date. For help: Juridisch Loket Amsterdam (free advice).

Duration and Amount of ZW Benefits

Duration: Up to 104 weeks.

Amount: Based on daily wage. For €200: €182 (year 1), €140 (later), minus premiums. WW combination allowed (ZWG).

FAQs for Amsterdam

Tips for Amsterdam Flex Workers

• Keep documents: Pay slips, contracts, reports.
• Report immediately: Days 1-2, or face sanctions.
• Consult Juridisch Loket Amsterdam for review.
• Check Municipality of Amsterdam for extra local support.
• For appeals: District Court of Amsterdam.