Table 1 Disability benefits in the Netherlands

In the Netherlands, disability benefits are assessed by the Dutch Social Security Institute (SSI). After two years of sick leave, individuals can apply for a disability benefit under the Dutch Work and Income Act (WIA). A medical disability assessment (i.e. diagnoses and functional abilities) is conducted by an insurance physician (IP) who is employed by the SSI. Depending on the functional abilities listed in the IP’s report, there may also be an assessment by a labour expert who calculates the loss of former wages. A disability benefit is granted if loss of income exceeds 35% of former wages. Disability benefits can be approved for a disease or handicap due to either social (i.e. non-occupational) or occupational causes.

Certain circumstances may change a person’s continuing eligibility for disability benefits. A disability benefit ends if the SSI IP determines that the medical condition has improved substantially and the labour expert calculates that loss of income is less than 35% of former wages. Other main causes are retirement and death.