WGA Phases in Westland: Overview and Explanation

The **WGA phases** in Westland determine the duration and conditions of your **WGA benefit** in case of partial work incapacity. This article provides an overview of the three phases, your rights, obligations and steps, specifically for residents of Westland under the District Court of The Hague.

What are the WGA phases in Westland?

In Westland, you receive a **WGA benefit** (Work and Income according to Labour Capacity Act) if you are partially incapacitated for work and can no longer work fully. The benefit is divided into three phases, regulated under the **Work and Assistance Act (WWB)** and **Disabled for Work Insurance Act (WAO/WGA)**. Each phase in the district of the District Court of The Hague has its own rules regarding benefit amount, duration and obligations. The UWV and local agencies such as the Juridisch Loket Westland support you in this.

Legal basis for Westland

The WGA phases fall under:

Articles 37-42 Work and Assistance Act (WWB): Basic rules for WGA in Westland.
Articles 12-15 Disabled for Work Insurance Act (WAO/WGA): Phasing rules, jurisdiction of the District Court of The Hague.
Disabled for Work Insurance Decree (BAO): Implementation standards, including local calculations.

In case of disputes, you can go to the District Court of The Hague (Westland district) or the Juridisch Loket Westland for free advice.

The three WGA phases: Overview for Westland

Below is a table with the phases, duration and conditions as applied in Westland:

Phase	Duration	Benefit	Obligations in Westland
Phase 1: Introductory phase	Max. 2 years	70% of former salary (max. maximum daily wage).	Actively seek work via UWV or local jobs in Westland. Participate in UWV reintegration, such as training in the region. No direct job obligation, but effort is required.
Phase 2: Follow-through phase	Max. 3 years	70% former salary with gradual reduction.	Continue applying for jobs and local work trials. Reintegration via education, internships or Westland employers. Refusal of suitable work leads to reduction; advice via Juridisch Loket Westland.
Phase 3: Reduction phase	Max. 5 years	Gradual reduction by 10% per year to 0%.	Obliged to participate in reintegration in Westland. Refusal of suitable work or activity stops the benefit; appeal to the District Court of The Hague. After reduction: apply for social assistance benefit via the municipality of Westland.

Practical examples for Westland

Two examples tailored to situations in Westland:

Example 1: Introductory phase in Westland

Situation: Jan (45) from Westland becomes 50% incapacitated for work after back surgery. UWV awards WGA and starts phase 1.

Events:

Jan receives 70% of his salary (e.g. €2,500 gross/month).
UWV draws up a reintegration plan focusing on Westland jobs in horticulture or logistics.
After 2 years evaluation: progression to phase 2 if insufficient recovery.

Example 2: Reduction phase in Westland

Situation: Marie (55) from Westland has been in WGA for 5 years and cannot work fully. UWV starts phase 3.

Events:

Benefit decreases gradually: 60%, 50%, 40%, 30%, 20%, 10% to 0%.
She must participate in local reintegration; refusal stops the benefit.
Then social assistance benefit via municipality of Westland; help via Juridisch Loket.

For personal advice in Westland: contact Juridisch Loket Westland or submit a request to District Court of The Hague.