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Sickness Benefits Exception for Self-Employed in Utrecht

Discover when self-employed individuals in Utrecht are entitled to Sickness Benefits despite no automatic insurance. Conditions, application, and local assistance via UWV, District Court Midden-Nederland, and Juridisch Loket.

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Sickness Benefits Exception for Self-Employed in Utrecht

As a self-employed person in Utrecht, you are normally not insured for the **Sickness Benefits Act (Ziektewet, ZW)**. However, there are exceptions that make entitlement to benefits in case of illness possible. Read when you as a self-employed person (zzp'er) in Utrecht can claim this and how to arrange it via UWV or local authorities.

What does the Sickness Benefits exception entail for self-employed in Utrecht?

The **Sickness Benefits Act (ZW)** compensates for loss of income due to illness or occupational disability. Self-employed in Utrecht are standardly not insured, because they do not pay wage employment premiums. However, exceptions exist for situations in which you as a self-employed person are considered economically equivalent to an employee.

These rules are laid down in the **Sickness Benefits Act**, **WIA** and **Sickness Benefits Decree**. In Utrecht, you can go to the UWV office or District Court Midden-Nederland (Vrouwe Justitiaplein 1) for assessment.

Legal basis in Utrecht

Important laws for self-employed exceptions:

  • Sickness Benefits Act (ZW, Art. 1): Basic rules for benefits.
  • WIA (Art. 1.2): Occupational disability and transitions.
  • Sickness Benefits Decree 2004 (Art. 1.1): Specific conditions for self-employed.
  • AWBZ: Supplementary care support.

In Utrecht, the District Court Midden-Nederland (Vrouwe Justitiaplein 1) handles objections to UWV decisions regarding these exceptions.

When does the exception apply for residents of Utrecht?

Three core conditions for Sickness Benefits as a self-employed person:

  1. 1. Economically equivalent to an employee

    At least 12 months of premiums paid via AOW/ANW, plus demonstrable income from self-employed work without substantial assets. Example: Utrecht freelancer with €12,000 annual income from assignments.

  2. 2. Medically occupationally disabled

    Assessment by UWV insurance physician (AAB). Example: Utrecht self-employed builder with chronic back complaints.

  3. 3. Insufficient alternative income

    No or too low income from other sources. Example: Web developer in Utrecht without reserves due to burnout.

How to apply for Sickness Benefits in Utrecht?

1. Report illness directly to UWV via uwv.nl or by telephone.
2. Submit medical and income proofs.
3. Examination by UWV insurance physician.
4. In case of rejection: file objection or go to District Court Midden-Nederland (Vrouwe Justitiaplein 1).
5. Free advice: Juridisch Loket Utrecht, Catharijnesingel 55 (tel. 0900-8020).

Tips for self-employed in Utrecht

  • Insure yourself voluntarily with UWV for ZW.
  • Keep invoices and premium overviews.
  • Consult Juridisch Loket Utrecht if in doubt.