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Sickness Benefits Exception for Self-Employed in Leiden

Discover when self-employed individuals in Leiden are entitled to Sickness Benefits despite the exception. Steps, conditions, and assistance via Juridisch Loket Leiden.

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Sickness Benefits Exception for Self-Employed in Leiden

As a self-employed individual in Leiden, 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 in Leiden can claim this and how to arrange it at the District Court of The Hague, Leiden Location.

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

The Sickness Benefits Act (ZW) compensates for loss of income due to illness. Self-employed individuals in Leiden are usually not automatically insured for this, because they do not have an employer who pays premiums. However, there are specific cases in which Leiden entrepreneurs can claim a ZW benefit.

These rules are set out in the Sickness Benefits Act, WIA and the Sickness Benefits for Self-Employed Decree 2004. Especially if you are economically equivalent to an employee, you may qualify.

Legal basis in Leiden

Important laws for ZW exceptions:

  • Sickness Benefits Act (Article 1): Basic rules for benefits.
  • WIA (Article 1.2): Regulates occupational disability.
  • Sickness Benefits for Self-Employed Decree 2004 (Article 1.1): Specifically for entrepreneurs like you in Leiden.

In Leiden, the District Court of The Hague, Leiden Location (Parkweg 300, 2314 BM Leiden) handles any disputes. For free advice: Juridisch Loket Leiden, Stationsweg 46, 2311 CH Leiden (tel: 0900-8020).

When do you qualify in Leiden?

Three core conditions for self-employed individuals:

  1. 1. Economically equivalent to an employee

    Paid AOW/ANW premiums for at least 12 months, with demonstrable self-employed income (e.g. €12,000+ per year) and limited assets. Example: Leiden freelance consultant with 10+ years of AOW premiums.

  2. 2. Medically occupationally disabled

    Assessed by UWV doctor. Example: Local self-employed baker with chronic pain who cannot work.

  3. 3. Insufficient other income

    No significant income from savings or elsewhere. Example: Leiden freelancer without reserves due to long-term illness.

How to apply for ZW benefits in Leiden?

1. Report your illness to UWV within 2 days (online or 088-8989294).
2. Submit application with medical information and proof of income.
3. In case of rejection: objection via UWV, then to District Court of The Hague, Leiden Location.
4. Need help? Go to Juridisch Loket Leiden (Stationsweg 46).

Tips for self-employed in Leiden

  • Take out voluntary ZW insurance with UWV for security.
  • Document everything: invoices, medical certificates.
  • Check local regulations via Municipality of Leiden.