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Sickness Benefits Recovery Obligation: Your Duties During Illness

Under the **Sickness Benefits Act (ZW)**, a **recovery obligation** rests on you: during illness, you must do everything to recover quickly. What are your duties and rights? What if your employer wants you to return? Everything explained, with local info for Westland via the **Juridisch Loket Westland**.

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Sickness Benefits Recovery Obligation: Your Duties During Illness

In Westland, known for its greenhouses and agricultural sector, many employees report sick due to physical strain. Without an employer, you can apply for a **Sickness Benefits Act (ZW)** benefit, but only if you comply with the **recovery obligation**: doing everything to recover quickly. This obligation is laid down in law and is crucial for your benefit. What does this mean for you in Westland? And how do you handle a call from your former employer? We explain it, with reference to the **District Court of The Hague** and **Juridisch Loket Westland**.

What Does the Recovery Obligation Entail Under the Sickness Benefits Act?

The **recovery obligation** requires you as a ZW recipient to take reasonable steps for recovery and return to work. In practice for Westland employees, this means:

  • Following instructions from a doctor or therapist, such as physiotherapy after back complaints from the greenhouses.
  • Cooperating with rehabilitation or return-to-work plans.
  • Not impeding recovery, e.g., by skipping therapy without a valid reason.
  • Keeping your former employer and **UWV** up to date on your condition.
Based on **ZW article 40** and **Awbz article 41**. Non-compliance? UWV may suspend your benefit. In Westland: contact **Juridisch Loket Westland** for free advice.

Legal Basis of the Recovery Obligation

The rules are clear:

  • Sickness Benefits Act article 40: Obligation to cooperate in recovery; UWV requests updates on health.
  • Awbz article 41: Following medical advice, especially in rehabilitation.
  • UbZW article 2.10: Forwarding reports and **recovery plans** to UWV/employer.
UWV may impose **recovery measures**, such as visiting specialists. Refusal without reason leads to termination. In disputes: **District Court of The Hague** (district Westland).

Practical Examples of Recovery Obligation in Westland

Recognizable situations from the region:

Example 1: Refusing Physiotherapy After Greenhouse Work

Situation: After heavy lifting tasks in a Westland greenhouse complex, the doctor recommends physiotherapy for shoulder recovery. You decline due to lack of time.Consequence: UWV withdraws the benefit. Appeal possible with **medical contraindication**. Tip: Seek help from **Juridisch Loket Westland**.

Example 2: Rejecting Employer's Recovery Plan

Situation: Former employer offers phased return (e.g., half days), approved by occupational physician. You refuse.Consequence: Obligation if reasonable plan; otherwise benefit stops. Obtain counter-advice from your own doctor.

Example 3: Ignoring UWV Requests

Situation: UWV requests medical information or a meeting; you do not respond.Consequence: Immediate suspension. Always respond! In case of problems: **Juridisch Loket Westland** or **District Court of The Hague**.

What If Your Employer Wants You Back?

In Westland, employers often press for speedy return. You must cooperate in suitable work, but not if it harms recovery. In doubt? Have it assessed by UWV occupational physician. Not agreed? Objection via **Juridisch Loket Westland**.

Strengthening Your Rights

Document everything: doctors' reports, communication. In case of sanctions: objection to UWV within 4 weeks, then **District Court of The Hague**. Local support: **Juridisch Loket Westland** offers free consultations for residents.