Combating Fraud in Disability Benefit Claims in Westland

Fraud related to disability benefit claims (WIA/WAO) in Westland is combated through UWV’s external fraud information system and local insurers, particularly in the greenhouse horticulture sector. Suspicious cases, such as undeclared work in greenhouses around 's-Gravenzande or falsified medical statements from Naaldwijk, result in the suspension of benefits and reclamation of payments. The SUWI Act mandates reporting to the Public Prosecution Service in cases of offences. Insurers in Westland, active in the horticulture sector, employ risk models and data analysis to detect fraud among seasonal workers. Criminal sanctions include fines of up to €82,000 (Article 359 of the Dutch Criminal Code) and imprisonment. UWV’s Fraud Signal Register shares information with the Social Insurance Bank (SVB), the Tax and Customs Administration, and local authorities in The Hague. Victims in Westland have the right to a hearing and appeal under administrative law. The Insurers’ Fraud Signaling Code governs procedures, with specific attention to collective labour agreements in the greenhouse horticulture sector. Prevention focuses on accurate reporting of work reintegration for greenhouse employees. Case law from the Central Appeals Tribunal (CRvB) emphasises the burden of proof on the insurer, as seen in cases from Monster. In 2023, UWV halted 15% more benefits due to fraud, with a peak in Westland attributed to seasonal labour. Privacy is governed by the GDPR, including Data Protection Impact Assessments (DPIA). Employers with Sickness Benefits Act payments in the horticulture sector risk higher premiums. Experts recommend compliance training for Westland growers. This system protects premium payers in the region from abuse through stricter controls on temporary workers.