It always starts with your sick report. Does it appear that you stay sick longer than usual? Then take a look at the Gatekeeper Improvement Act: it describes exactly what the first two years of your illness and reintegration look like. From your rights and obligations to the moments when your employer or company doctor has to do something.

Have you been ill for two years and not fully recovered, despite your reintegration efforts? In that case, an insurance doctor and an occupational expert will jointly assess whether you are incapacitated for work. Can you still do certain work? And if so, how much or how long? The UWV then compares the hourly wage that you can now earn with your old hourly wage. Are you losing at least 35 percent? Then you are (partially) incapacitated for work.

If you are ill for a long time, you have to reintegrate. You retain the right to at least 70 percent of your wages for the first two years. Some collective labor agreements and employment contracts stipulate that you will receive more. During the reintegration you must adhere to the rules and agreements. If you do not cooperate, your employer can suspend or withhold your wages – and in extreme cases even dismiss you. Have you been ill for two years, is it unlikely that you will recover within six months and are you unable to do any other work? Then your employer can submit a dismissal application for you to the UWV.

If you can still (partly) work, you may have to look for another job or another employer, because you can no longer perform your old position. It is also possible that you can no longer work at all. In both cases you may be eligible for a disability benefit from the UWV.