WGA Phases: Overview and Explanation
The **WGA benefit** (Work and Income according to Labor Capacity Act) is an important social benefit for people who are partially disabled for work. This benefit has **three phases**, in which your rights, obligations, and opportunities gradually change. In this article, we explain what each phase entails, how you progress through the phases, and what you can expect in each phase. We also provide practical examples and answers to frequently asked questions.
What are the WGA phases?
The WGA benefit is intended for people who are **not fully disabled for work**, but also **not fully fit for work**. The law distinguishes three phases, in which the focus shifts from support to activation and ultimately return to work. These phases are:
- Phase 1: Initial Period (up to 2 years after registration)
- Phase 2: Ongoing Period (2 to 5 years after registration)
- Phase 3: Activation Period (from 5 years after registration)
The **WGA Act** (Work and Income according to Labor Capacity Act) regulates these phases. Important articles are:
- Article 15: Duration of the WGA benefit and the phases.
- Article 20: Obligations of the benefit recipient (such as job searching and cooperating in recovery).
- Article 21: Activation in the later phases.
Phase 1: Initial Period (up to 2 years)
In this first phase, the focus is on **recovery and support**. You receive a benefit that is based on your **labor capacity** and your **income prior to your disability**. The amount of the benefit is determined by the **UWV** (Employee Insurance Agency).
What can you expect?
- Benefit: The amount of your WGA benefit depends on your **income prior to your disability** and your **labor capacity**. For example, if you are 70% disabled for work, you receive 70% of your former income (with a maximum).
- Support: The UWV and your **insurer** (such as a health insurer or disability insurance) can support you with **reintegration** (for example, a reintegration program).
- Obligations: You are required to **participate as much as possible in reintegration** and follow any recommendations from the UWV.
Example
Situation: Before your disability, you worked full-time as an accountant and earned €4,000 gross per month. After an illness, you are 50% disabled for work. In phase 1, you receive approximately 50% of your former income, with a maximum of the **WGA benefit** (in 2024 approximately €2,200 gross per month for a full-timer).
Phase 2: Ongoing Period (2 to 5 years)
In this phase, the focus shifts more to **activation**. The UWV will encourage you to **search for work** or participate in activities that improve your labor capacity. The benefit remains largely the same, but there are more obligations.
What changes?
| Aspect | Phase 1 | Phase 2 |
|---|---|---|
| Focus | Recovery and support | Activation and job-seeking behavior |
| Benefit | 70-100% of your former income (depending on labor capacity) | Benefit remains the same, but an **activation allowance** may be added if you cooperate |
| Obligations | Cooperate in reintegration | Actively search for work and participate in activities (e.g., training, internship) |
Example
Situation: You are still 50% disabled for work, but the UWV suggests you look for a **smaller job** (for example, 20 hours per week). If you cooperate, you may receive an **activation allowance** in addition to your WGA benefit. Additionally, you are encouraged to follow **training** that improves your chances on the labor market.
Phase 3: Activation Period (from 5 years)
From the **fifth year** after your registration with the UWV, you enter the activation period. Here, the pressure on you to **find work** or **improve labor capacity** becomes even greater. The benefit continues to exist, but there are strict requirements for your active participation.
What are the main changes?
- Activation obligation: You are required to **actively search for work** or participate in activities that improve your labor capacity