What is the Wajong?
The Wajong, or Disability Insurance for Young Disabled Persons Act (Wet arbeidsongeschiktheidsvoorziening jonggehandicapten), provides a benefit to persons who acquired a disability or illness before their 18th birthday or during their studies, making work impossible. It serves as financial support for those who have never been able to hold a regular job.
Conditions for Wajong
| Criterion | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Moment of disability | Before 18 years or during study period |
| Work capacity | Currently or in the future unable to earn minimum wage |
| Permanence | No prospect of recovery or improvement |
Types of Wajong
Old versus New Wajong
- Wajong 2010: Exclusively for people who permanently have no earning capacity
- Old Wajong (pre-2010): Broader access, benefit dependent on degree of disability for work
From 2015, the Wajong is limited to persons who completely and permanently have no work opportunities.
Amount of the Wajong benefit
- Maximum: 75% of the minimum wage
- 2024: Approximately €1,450 gross per month
- Under 21 years: Benefit dependent on age
How to apply for Wajong?
- Submit application to UWV (possible from age 17.5)
- Assessment on medical and occupational grounds
- UWV decision within 13 weeks
- If approved: benefit starts from age 18
Combining Wajong with work
The UWV encourages working alongside a Wajong benefit:
- With old Wajong: income is partially offset
- Working always provides financial benefit
- Assistance available in job searching
- Job coaching as additional support
What if I become ill after age 18?
In that case, you do not qualify for Wajong, but for other schemes such as Sickness Benefits Act or WIA.
Is a later Wajong application possible?
Yes, if the disability arose before age 18 or during studies, but only later causes occupational disability.
Does living together affect my Wajong?
No, the Wajong is a personal benefit and is not affected by your living situation.
Frequently Asked Questions about Wajong in Westland
Who is eligible for a Wajong benefit?
You may be entitled to Wajong if your disability arose before age 18 or during studies and you are therefore unable to earn the minimum wage. The UWV assesses this through a medical and occupational evaluation. Application possible from age 17.5.
What distinguishes the old from the new Wajong?
The old Wajong (pre-2010) had more lenient criteria and a benefit based on the degree of occupational disability. The new Wajong (from 2010) is only for those who are fully and sustainably occupationally disabled. From 2015, the rules became even stricter.
Can I work with a Wajong benefit?
Yes, working is encouraged. With the old Wajong, earnings are partially offset, but it remains advantageous. The UWV offers support such as job coaching. Contact for tailored advice.
What is the amount of Wajong in 2024?
In 2024, the maximum benefit is approximately €1,450 gross per month, i.e., 75% of the minimum wage. For young people under 21, a lower benefit applies based on age.