WIA benefit

WIA benefit is a benefit paid by UWV for people who are partially or fully unable to work due to illness. 

What does WIA mean? 

WIA benefit covers employees who are unable - or hardly able - to work after two years of being on sick leave. WIA stands for ‘Wet Werk en Inkomen naar Arbeidsvermogen’ (Work and Income (Capacity for Work) Act). You receive this benefit if you are partially or fully unfit for work. UWV pays the benefit and supports you in other ways. 

Types of WIA benefit and conditions 

There are two types of WIA benefit: 

• WGA benefit for people who are still able to work part-time or will be able to work again in the future. 
• IVA benefit for people who are unable, or hardly able, to work today and will still be unable to work in the future. 

You can only claim WIA benefit if, after two years of sick leave, your occupational disability percentage is at least 35% according to UWV. 

How much do you receive, and for how long? 

How much you receive depends on your old wage and how much you can still work. The WGA benefit is less than your previous wage: it is up to 70% of that wage, but can be less. The IVA benefit is 75% of your old wage. Your benefit is reduced if you go back to work, or if you work part-time and work more hours. Your benefits stop if your occupational disability percentage is less than 35% or you retire. 

Applying for WIA benefit 

You apply for WIA benefit when you have been on sick leave for almost two years. You can do this through Mijn UWV using your DigiD. You will need documents such as a statement from your company doctor and your reintegration report. UWV will assess them and send you a letter containing its decision.