Sickness Benefits Recovery Obligation in Westland: Duties and Rights
In Westland, the **recovery obligation** under the **Sickness Benefits Act (ZW)** is strictly enforced to promote your swift return to work if you are sick without an employer. You must cooperate with your **general practitioner**, specialists and **UWV** for recovery. Non-compliance may lead to sanctions such as restriction or termination of your benefit. This article discusses the rules, legal basis, examples and local support via Den Haag District Court (district) and Juridisch Loket Westland.
What does the recovery obligation entail under Sickness Benefits in Westland?
For recipients of a **Sickness Benefits** in the Westland region, the recovery obligation is a **statutory duty** to maintain income replacement. You must proactively contribute to recovery by:
- Complying with prescriptions from your **treating physician**, such as medication, therapy or lifestyle adjustments.
- Participating in **reintegration activities** offered by UWV, such as training or work trials.
- Collaborating with **UWV inspections** and assessments by the **insurance physician**.
- Exploring alternative recovery options, e.g. adapted work or coaching.
This obligation, enshrined in the **Sickness Benefits Act** and **ZW Decree**, prevents long-term absence. In case of violation, UWV in Westland may reduce your daily wage by 70-100%. Contact Juridisch Loket Westland for free advice.
Legal Basis of the Sickness Benefits Recovery Obligation
The rules are based on:
- Sickness Benefits Act (ZW), art. 14: Core of the recovery duty for ZW benefit recipients.
- Sickness Benefits Act Decree: Implementation standards, sanctions and UWV procedures.
- Work and Care Act (WWZ): Reintegration after 2 years of illness, relevant for Westland residents.
Den Haag District Court (Westland district) reviews UWV decisions. UWV monitors compliance through interviews or home visits.
Practical Examples of Recovery Obligation in Westland
Concrete situations from the region:
Example 1: Rejecting Reintegration Trajectory
Case: UWV offers a **Track 2 trajectory** in Westland (e.g. retraining).
Duty: Participation mandatory, unless medically advised against by a physician.
Sanction: Benefit reduced to 70% first month, 100% thereafter. Objection via Juridisch Loket Westland.
Example 2: Failing to Appear for UWV Physician
Case: Missing appointment with **UWV insurance physician** in Den Haag.
Duty: Always cooperate, except in case of serious medical hindrance.
Sanction: Immediate suspension; remedy via Den Haag District Court.
Example 3: Ignoring Medical Advice
Case: General practitioner in Westland prescribes physiotherapy, but you do not follow up.
Duty: Carry out all reasonable therapies.
Sanction: UWV may suspend benefit after warning. Submit evidence via medical records in objection.
What to Do in Case of Sanctions? Local Assistance Westland
Received a sanction decision?
1. **Objection** with UWV within 6 weeks.
2. Assistance from Juridisch Loket Westland (free for low incomes).
3. Possibly appeal to Den Haag District Court, subdistrict sector.
Document everything: physician statements, UWV correspondence.
Rights under the Recovery Obligation
You are entitled to: confidential medical information, reasonable accommodations, and right to be heard in sanctions. In Westland, you can challenge the UWV physician via second opinion.
Last update: 2023. Consult Juridisch Loket Westland for current advice.