Best Social Security Disability Lawyers in Beilen

About Social Security Disability Law in Beilen, Netherlands

Social security disability in the Netherlands is governed by national law and administered primarily by the Employee Insurance Agency, known as UWV. If you live in Beilen, the same national rules apply to you, with local support services available through the municipality of Midden-Drenthe. The system is designed to provide income protection when illness or disability reduces or eliminates your capacity to work.

For employees, the first phase is usually sickness absence. Employers generally pay wages during sickness for up to two years while reintegration efforts take place. After roughly 88 weeks of sickness, UWV invites the worker to apply for a WIA benefit, which starts after 104 weeks if eligibility is met. WIA has two main routes. WGA is for partial or temporary loss of earning capacity. IVA is for fully and durably incapacitated persons. If UWV assesses the loss of earning capacity at less than 35 percent, no WIA benefit is granted. Young people who became disabled at an early age may be eligible for Wajong. People without an employer may fall under the Sickness Benefits Act or need to rely on municipal assistance under the Participation Act.

Because Beilen is part of the municipality of Midden-Drenthe, residents can access local services for income support, reintegration, and independent client support. However, decisions on national disability benefits are taken by UWV, and any objections or appeals follow national administrative procedures.

Why You May Need a Lawyer

Many people seek legal help when a disability application is denied or when UWV determines a loss of earning capacity that is lower than expected. A lawyer can review the medical and functional assessments, obtain additional medical evidence, and challenge errors in the job capacity analysis.

Legal assistance is also useful when you face complex situations. Examples include a reassessment that reduces or ends your benefit, a sanction or recovery of benefits after an investigation, coordination of benefits when you also receive municipal assistance, or cross-border situations if you worked in another EU country. A lawyer understands deadlines and procedures, prepares you for UWV hearings, and represents you in court if needed.

If you are self-employed in Beilen and become unable to work, advice is important because statutory coverage is different for entrepreneurs. A lawyer can explain whether you have coverage through a voluntary UWV insurance, a private policy, or municipal options. Legal aid may be available depending on your income, and a specialist can help you apply for subsidized legal assistance.

Local Laws Overview

Key national laws and rules that apply in Beilen include the following. The Work and Income According to Labor Capacity Act, known as WIA, provides benefits after 104 weeks of illness if earning capacity is reduced by at least 35 percent. WGA covers partial or temporary disability, and IVA covers full and sustainable disability. The Sickness Benefits Act provides sickness benefit coverage for people without an employer, such as temporary agency workers or unemployed persons. The Wajong scheme supports young disabled persons who became disabled at a young age and have lasting limitations on earning capacity.

The Participation Act is managed by municipalities and provides social assistance and reintegration support if you do not qualify for other schemes or need supplementary income. The Improved Gatekeeper Act sets obligations for employers and employees to reintegrate during the first two years of sickness. The General Administrative Law Act sets the framework for objections and appeals, including the 6 week period to object to UWV decisions. The General Data Protection Regulation protects your medical privacy, and you have the right to view your file and submit your own medical evidence.

Assessments are typically conducted by a UWV insurance physician and a labor expert. Functional limitations are recorded in a Functional Abilities List, and potential suitable jobs are identified to calculate your remaining earning capacity. Young disabled persons applying for Wajong must meet strict criteria regarding sustainable inability to earn at least 75 percent of the statutory minimum wage. Municipal support in Midden-Drenthe can help with job coaching, adjustments, and independent client support alongside national benefits.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I start a WIA claim if I live in Beilen

If you have been ill for a long time, UWV usually invites you to apply around week 88 of sickness. You submit the application to UWV, not the municipality. Keep all reintegration records, employer reports, and medical information ready. The assessment for WIA will take place after 104 weeks of sickness unless there are exceptional circumstances.

What medical evidence should I provide

Provide recent letters from your general practitioner and specialists, diagnostic reports, treatment plans, and information about medication and side effects. UWV has its own medical assessment, but your evidence helps show how your condition limits your work capacity. You may also provide statements about daily functioning from therapists or occupational health providers.

UWV assessed my loss of earning capacity at less than 35 percent. What can I do

If UWV decides you do not meet the 35 percent threshold, you will not receive WIA. You can file an objection within 6 weeks of the date on the decision letter. A lawyer can analyze the Functional Abilities List, challenge job selections, and submit additional medical evidence. If the objection is denied, you can appeal to the court and then to the Central Appeals Tribunal if necessary.

Can I work while receiving WGA or Wajong

Yes, working is often allowed and even encouraged. Earnings may affect the amount of your benefit. WGA has rules that compare your actual wages with your assessed capacity. Wajong includes incentives for work and may provide job coaching or workplace adjustments. Always report changes in work or health to UWV promptly to avoid overpayment or sanctions.

What happens during the UWV medical and labor assessment

You will meet a UWV insurance physician who evaluates your medical situation and determines your functional limitations. A labor expert uses those limitations to identify suitable jobs and calculate your remaining earning capacity. Be honest and specific about symptoms, fatigue, and variability over the day. You can request to see your file and ask for corrections if something is factually wrong.

What deadlines should I keep in mind

You generally have 6 weeks to object to a UWV decision. If you receive an unfavorable objection decision, you have 6 weeks to appeal to the court. If you become sick, the application for WIA is usually initiated around week 88, and the waiting period is 104 weeks. Always read letters carefully because some procedures have specific timelines.

I am self-employed in Beilen. What disability protection do I have

Self-employed persons are not automatically covered by WIA. You may have a private disability insurance policy or a voluntary UWV insurance if you applied in time after leaving employment. If your income drops and you cannot work, the municipality may offer assistance under the Participation Act, and you can request reintegration support. Legal advice can clarify your options based on your situation and any policies you have.

My child became disabled at a young age. Is Wajong an option

Wajong is for young people who became disabled before a certain age and who have lasting limitations that prevent earning at least 75 percent of the minimum wage. UWV assesses medical limitations and durability. Wajong can be combined with support such as job coaching and workplace adaptations. The municipality can also help with additional support and guidance.

How are WIA benefits calculated

UWV compares your previous wage with the wage you are deemed still able to earn in suitable jobs. The loss of earning capacity determines eligibility and the type of benefit. Within WGA, there are different payment phases with different formulas. IVA is for full and durable disability and pays a higher percentage. The exact amount depends on your insured wage and the assessment outcome.

Can I get help with legal costs

Depending on your income and assets, you may qualify for government funded legal aid. Social legal services and unions can also assist. The Netherlands generally does not allow pure success fee arrangements for lawyers. Ask any representative to explain fees and whether subsidized legal aid applies to your case.

Additional Resources

UWV - the national agency that handles WIA, Wajong, and sickness benefits. They conduct medical and labor assessments and decide on eligibility. You can contact UWV by phone or visit a regional office that serves Drenthe.

Municipality of Midden-Drenthe - provides assistance under the Participation Act, reintegration services, and independent client support. They can guide you if you need supplementary income or workplace support.

The Legal Aid Board and the Legal Help Desk - can advise on eligibility for subsidized legal aid and direct you to qualified social security lawyers.

Social legal counselors and client support organizations in Drenthe - offer practical help with forms, objections, and communication with UWV and the municipality.

Disability and patient organizations such as Iederin and MEE Drenthe - provide information, advocacy, and support for people with disabilities and their families.

Trade unions like FNV and CNV - can assist members with benefit applications, objections, and workplace reintegration issues.

The Central Appeals Tribunal - the highest court for social security matters, relevant for higher appeals after the district court.

Next Steps

Start by collecting key documents. Gather medical records from your GP and specialists, occupational health reports from the company doctor, reintegration plans, and employer correspondence. Keep a diary of symptoms and limitations in daily activities and work tasks.

If you are approaching week 88 of sickness, prepare for a WIA application. Check that your reintegration file is complete and consistent. If you already received a decision from UWV, note the date and the 6 week objection deadline. Do not wait to seek advice if you disagree with the decision.

Contact a legal professional who focuses on social security disability. Ask about experience with WIA, Wajong, and UWV objections. Discuss fees and whether you qualify for subsidized legal aid. A lawyer can draft the objection, obtain additional medical opinions, and represent you at a UWV hearing and in court if necessary.

Coordinate with local support in Beilen through the municipality of Midden-Drenthe. Independent client support can attend meetings with you and help you understand procedures. If you are working or want to try working, discuss suitable adjustments and job coaching options with UWV and the municipality.

Keep copies of every letter you send or receive and confirm important communications in writing. Always report changes in your health, work, or income promptly to avoid overpayments or sanctions. With organized documentation, timely action, and the right advice, you can navigate the disability system more confidently in Beilen and beyond.