Best Disability Lawyers in Ommen

About Disability Law in Ommen, Netherlands

Disability law in the Netherlands combines national social security rules with local social support. If you live in Ommen, you are covered by national laws that govern income protection, work reintegration, and equal treatment, and by municipal rules that arrange day-to-day support such as home adaptations and mobility services. National bodies like UWV handle disability benefits and work capacity assessments. The municipality of Ommen implements the Social Support Act Wmo 2015 and can provide practical help at home, assistive devices, transport, guidance, and housing adaptations when you cannot manage independently.

Key national schemes include WIA for long-term work disability after two years of sickness, Wajong for people whose disability began young and who have limited capacity to work, and Ziektewet for people who are ill but not in regular employment. Long-term care under WLZ is arranged after an assessment by CIZ. The Equal Treatment on the Grounds of Disability or Chronic Illness Act protects your right to reasonable accommodations in work, education, and services. In employment, there are strict rules for reintegration and income continuation during the first two years of illness.

In practice, this means you may deal with several institutions: your employer and company doctor for reintegration, UWV for benefits and assessments, the municipality of Ommen for Wmo support, CAK for contributions to certain services, and CIZ if you need long-term care. Understanding how these parts fit together is important for a smooth and timely application process.

Why You May Need a Lawyer

People in Ommen often seek legal help when a UWV decision denies or reduces a disability benefit, when the assessed disability percentage seems too low, or when a reassessment changes their situation. A lawyer can help you contest decisions through objection and appeal procedures that have strict deadlines. Legal help is also valuable when your employer disputes reasonable accommodations, pushes for dismissal after two years of illness, or does not follow reintegration duties. Employment and benefit issues often interact, so strategic advice is useful.

Municipal decisions on Wmo support can be complex. If the municipality declines an application for household help, home modifications, transport, or guidance, or offers a solution that is not suitable, a lawyer can help with objection and appeal, and with requesting a personal budget instead of in-kind services. Other common issues include obtaining a disabled parking permit, challenging own contributions calculated by CAK, resolving disputes about housing adaptations with a landlord, or navigating WLZ eligibility decisions by CIZ.

A lawyer who focuses on social security and administrative law can prepare strong evidence, request medical expert opinions, represent you in hearings, and safeguard your deadlines. If your income is modest, you may qualify for government-funded legal aid, which reduces your costs.

Local Laws Overview

Municipalities in the Netherlands implement the Social Support Act Wmo 2015 through a local ordinance that sets practical rules for access and procedures. In Ommen, the Wmo framework covers household support, individual guidance, day activities, assistive devices, transport arrangements, home adaptations, and sheltered work pathways that fall under municipal responsibility. You have the right to an intake conversation, an assessment of your needs, and a written decision that explains what support you will receive and why.

You can often choose between care in-kind or a personal budget known as PGB. The municipality must consider your personal circumstances, your social network, and whether off-the-shelf solutions are adequate. If your home is unsuitable due to your disability, the municipality can consider adaptations or explore housing options when an adaptation is not feasible. For local and regional mobility, Wmo-arranged transport and regional Regiotaxi services operate in Overijssel, including the area around Ommen. Disabled parking permits GPK and on-street disabled parking spaces are applied for through the municipality.

National rules govern income and work capacity. For the first two years of sickness, your employer normally pays at least 70 percent of your wage and both you and your employer must follow reintegration steps under the Gatekeeper Improvement Act. At 104 weeks of illness you can apply for WIA. UWV will assess your earning capacity and place you in WGA or IVA if you qualify. Young people with a lasting disability that started before age 18 or during study may qualify for Wajong, which is also managed by UWV.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between WIA, WGA, and IVA?

WIA is the main disability benefit after two years of sickness. Within WIA there are two routes. WGA is for people who are partially disabled or are expected to recover or improve. IVA is for people who are fully and permanently disabled with little or no prospect of recovery. Your placement depends on UWV’s assessment of your remaining earning capacity and the durability of your limitations.

Can I get Wajong as a young person with a disability?

Wajong is for people whose disability started young and who have limited work capacity. You must meet strict criteria about when your limitations began and how they affect your ability to work sustainably. UWV assesses medical and functional aspects. If granted, Wajong can include income support and work guidance to develop your possibilities.

How do I request Wmo support in Ommen?

Contact the Wmo desk of the municipality to start an intake. Explain your limitations and what you need to live independently. The municipality can provide household help, aids, guidance, transport, or home adaptations if general solutions are not enough. You will receive a written decision. If you disagree, you can file an objection within six weeks of the date on the decision letter.

What are my rights at work if I have a disability?

You are protected against discrimination and have the right to reasonable accommodations, such as adjusted hours, modified tasks, or assistive equipment, if these are reasonable for the employer to provide. During the first two years of illness your employer must support reintegration, and you must cooperate with realistic reintegration steps. After two years, dismissal can be requested but only with the proper route and after reintegration obligations have been met.

What happens as I approach two years of sickness?

Well before week 104, you and your employer should have followed a reintegration plan with regular evaluations. Around week 88 you can apply for WIA. UWV will assess your medical situation and remaining earning capacity. If your employer did too little to reintegrate you, UWV can impose a wage sanction that extends salary continuation and delays dismissal.

How do disabled parking permits work in Ommen?

Apply for a disabled parking permit GPK at the municipality. A medical assessment checks your mobility limitations. If granted, the permit allows you to use disabled bays and may allow you to apply for a dedicated on-street parking space near your home. Conditions and fees are set locally and the permit has an expiry date.

What can I do if UWV denies my disability benefit?

You can file a written objection within six weeks of the date on the decision letter. Include medical evidence, treatment records, and arguments about your functional limitations and work capacity. If the objection is rejected, you can appeal to the administrative court and, if needed, lodge a higher appeal with the Central Appeals Tribunal. A lawyer can guide you through each step.

Can I choose a personal budget PGB instead of in-kind services?

Yes, under Wmo and WLZ you can often opt for a PGB if you can manage the budget responsibly and the care is safe and effective. With a PGB you purchase your own support within set conditions. The municipality or care office will assess whether a PGB is suitable for you.

How are own contributions for Wmo services calculated?

Own contributions for many Wmo provisions are billed by CAK. The amount depends on national rules and your household situation. Some services have a flat contribution per month and some are exempt. Check the decision and CAK communication to verify your contribution and ask for correction if your data are outdated.

Do I need my landlord’s permission for home adaptations?

Structural changes in a rented home usually require the landlord’s permission. If the municipality grants an adaptation under Wmo, housing corporations typically cooperate, but permission is still a step in the process. If an adaptation is not feasible, the municipality can consider relocation support or other solutions.

Additional Resources

UWV - The national agency for sickness benefits, WIA, Wajong, reintegration support, and work capacity assessments. Contact UWV for applications, assessments, and information about your rights and obligations.

Municipality of Ommen - The Wmo desk handles applications for household help, aids, transport, guidance, home adaptations, and disabled parking permits, and provides independent client support information.

CAK - The body that calculates and collects own contributions for many Wmo services and certain other care arrangements. Check your assessments and notify errors promptly.

CIZ - The assessment body for long-term care WLZ. If you need permanent 24-hour care or supervision, CIZ determines eligibility.

Het Juridisch Loket - Free first-line legal advice for residents. They can explain your options, help you prepare documents, and refer you to specialized lawyers if needed.

Raad voor Rechtsbijstand - The legal aid board that arranges subsidized legal assistance for people with lower incomes. Ask a lawyer to check your eligibility for legal aid.

MEE or independent client support - Independent client supporters can help you prepare for Wmo conversations, formulate your help request, and understand decisions.

Iederin - The national network for people with disabilities and chronic illness that provides information on rights, accessibility, and participation.

Regiotaxi and Wmo transport services - Regionally organized door-to-door transport options in Overijssel for people who cannot use regular public transport due to disability.

Trade unions and patient organizations - Unions can support members with workplace accommodation issues. Patient organizations often provide condition-specific guidance and peer support.

Next Steps

Write down your situation and needs. Keep a diary of limitations in daily life and at work. Collect medical records, treatment plans, and functional assessments. For work issues, keep all correspondence with your employer and the company doctor.

Contact the Wmo desk of the Municipality of Ommen to request an intake if you need support at home, aids, transport, or adaptations. Ask about independent client support to help you prepare and attend the intake. If your need is urgent, explain why and request interim measures.

If you are nearing two years of sickness or have received a decision from UWV, check the date on the letter. Deadlines for objection are short. Consider consulting a lawyer who specializes in social security and administrative law in Overijssel. Ask whether you qualify for government-funded legal aid and what your own contribution would be.

Prepare for any legal consultation. Bring your decisions, medical documentation, and a clear timeline of events. Ask your lawyer to review strategy for objection or appeal, the evidence needed, and the odds of success. If a settlement or alternative solution is possible, discuss it early.

If you are a tenant and need home adaptations, inform your landlord early and provide the municipal decision. Coordinate planning so the adaptation can be made without unnecessary delays. If an adaptation is not feasible, ask the municipality about housing options or relocation support.

Keep communicating in writing. Confirm phone calls by email or letter. Always note dates and names. This creates a clear record that can be vital if a dispute arises.