Sickness Benefits Exception for Self-Employed in Westland
As a self-employed person in Westland, you are generally not insured for the **Sickness Benefits Act (Ziektewet, ZW)**. However, there are specific exceptions that make entitlement to benefits in case of illness possible. Read here when you, as a freelancer (zzp'er) in Westland, can claim Sickness Benefits and how to arrange this via Rechtbank Den Haag or Juridisch Loket Westland.
What does the Sickness Benefits exception for self-employed in Westland entail?
The **Sickness Benefits Act (ZW)** provides financial assistance in case of illness or occupational disability. Self-employed in Westland are standardly not insured, because they do not have an employer who pays premiums. Exceptions apply in cases where self-employed are economically equated to employees.
These rules are laid down in the **Sickness Benefits Act**, **WIA** and related decrees. For residents of Westland (district of Rechtbank Den Haag), you can submit an application to the UWV in case of illness, with support from the Juridisch Loket Westland.
Legal basis for Westland
Important laws for Sickness Benefits exceptions for self-employed:
- Sickness Benefits Act (Article 1): Basic rules for benefits.
- WIA (Article 1.2): Occupational disability and benefit conditions.
- Sickness Benefits Act Decree 2004 (Article 1.1): Specific criteria for self-employed.
- Rechtbank Den Haag: Competent court for Westland in case of objection.
The Sickness Benefits Act Decree states that self-employed with equivalent employee income qualify.
Conditions for exception in Westland
Three core conditions for Sickness Benefits as a self-employed:
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1. Economically equivalent to employee
At least 12 months of premiums via national insurance schemes (AOW/ANW), plus demonstrable self-employed income without substantial assets. Contact Juridisch Loket Westland for assessment.
Example: Westland glasshouse and flower grower with 10+ years AOW premiums and €12,000 annual income.
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2. Medically occupationally disabled
Assessment by UWV insurance physician or AAB. For Westland: application via UWV with medical certificate.
Example: Self-employed market gardener with chronic back complaints.
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3. Insufficient alternative income
No or too low income from other sources. Benefit covers basic needs.
Example: Westland freelancer in IT with burnout and no reserves.
How to apply for Sickness Benefits in Westland?
1. Report illness to UWV within 2 days.
2. Submit application with medical and income details.
3. In case of rejection: objection via Juridisch Loket Westland.
4. Possibly appeal to Rechtbank Den Haag (Westland district).
Contact: Juridisch Loket Westland for free advice (Maasdijk or online).
Assistance in Westland
- Juridisch Loket Westland: Free legal advice hour.
- Rechtbank Den Haag: For procedures in Westland.
- UWV: Application and assessment.