Sickness Benefits for Flex Workers in Leiden

As a flex worker in Leiden, such as a temp at a local café or on-call staff at Leiden University, you can apply for sickness benefits (ZW) from the UWV if you fall ill. This safety net provides income when your employer does not continue paying wages. For Leiden residents, help is close by at Het Juridisch Loket Leiden. This article explains the rules with local examples and tips.

What do ZW benefits mean for flexible workers?

The ZW benefit is part of the employee insurance schemes and regulated under the Sickness Benefits Act. It applies to sick flex workers whose employer does not continue paying wages. In Leiden, with many temporary jobs in hospitality and education, this is common due to short-term contracts without a wage continuation obligation.

Flex workers in the Leiden area often have no employer that pays at least 70% of wages during the first two years of illness (Article 7:629 of the Dutch Civil Code). The UWV then steps in. Read more in our overview Sickness Benefits: Everything About Your Rights.

Legal Framework Specific to Flex Workers

Key laws:

Sickness Benefits Act (ZW), arts. 16-29: determines your entitlement to benefits.
SUWI Act: framework for UWV benefits.
Unemployment Benefits Act (WW): If on WW and sick, the 'double ZW' (ZWG) applies.
Dutch Civil Code art. 7:629: limited wage continuation for flex contracts, e.g., via the ABU collective labour agreement for temp agencies.

For temps in Leiden, the 'AOW-inzittende daily wage regulation' may apply without recent payslips.

Conditions for ZW as a Flex Worker in Leiden

You qualify if:

Employment requirement: Work in the 36 weeks before illness.
Work incapacity: More than 35% incapacitated (UWV insurance physician).
No wages: Employer pays less than 70%.
Residence in NL/EEA.

Leiden example: Marieke, an on-call worker at a Leiden student café, falls ill during her shift. No wage continuation, so she applies to the UWV. After assessment, she receives ZW based on her daily wage.

ZW by Type of Flex Worker

Type of Flex Worker	ZW Entitlement	Leiden Example
Temp Worker	Yes, without wages from agency	Ill during assignment at Leiden University: UWV pays.
On-Call Worker	Yes, if ill during on-call period	Contract ends: ZW if sufficient work history.
Payroller	Limited, check collective agreement	Employer often continues pay; otherwise ZW.
Self-Employed (ZZP)	No, opt for VWG	No ZW for independents.

Rights and Obligations under ZW in Leiden

Rights:

70-91% of daily wage (91% year 1, 70% thereafter).
UWV reintegration support.
Dismissal protection after 2 years of illness.

Obligations:

Report: Within 2 days to employer and UWV.
Cooperate in reintegration.
Undergo medical assessment.
Report changes.

Leiden example: Ahmed, a temp at a Leiden events agency, receives ZW after a fall. Weekly effort declaration required; non-cooperation leads to suspension.

Applying for ZW as a Leiden Flex Worker

Report illness in writing to employer (days 1-2).
Apply via werk.nl (DigiD).
Attach payslips/contracts.
Assessment within 6-8 weeks.

Retroactive from reporting date. If in doubt: free advice at Het Juridisch Loket Leiden.

Duration and Amount of ZW Benefits

Duration: Maximum 104 weeks.

Amount: Based on daily wage. For €200: €182 (year 1), €140 (thereafter), minus premiums. WW combination (ZWG) possible.

FAQ for Flex Workers in Leiden

ZW if on-call contract ends during illness?

Yes, if 36-week requirement met. UWV reviews full work history.

Temp agency denies entitlement?

Check collective agreement (ABU). No wages = ZW right. Appeal to UWV; escalate to Rechtbank Leiden.

Own-risk period for flex?

No, but reintegration is mandatory.

Decision timeframe for application?

4-8 weeks. Provisional benefit if delayed.

Tips for Leiden Flex Workers

Keep documents: Payslips, contracts.
Report immediately: Days 1-2, or face sanctions.
Seek help from Het Juridisch Loket Leiden or Gemeente Leiden for extra support.
Check local collective agreements for hospitality/education.