Calculating WGA phases: your benefit and work capacity in Tilburg
With a WGA benefit, your work capacity is assessed in phases. Discover how the calculation works, what this means for you and where you can get help in Tilburg.
If you are partially work disabled in Tilburg or the surrounding area and receive a WGA benefit, your work capacity is assessed in three phases. These phases are based on the Work and Income according to Labour Capacity Act (WIA) and determine your entitlement to benefit and the amount thereof. In this article, we explain how the phases work, how your benefit is calculated and what this means for you.
What are the WGA phases?
The WGA phases are a system by which the UWV assesses to what extent you can still work. The same system applies to residents of Tilburg. The phases are:
- Phase 1: No work possible — Fully work disabled, no work possible.
- Phase 2: Partial work possible — Limited work, not at previous level.
- Phase 3: Full work possible — Employable again in old or comparable position.
This classification determines your benefit amount and earning possibilities. In Tilburg, you can seek advice from the UWV office or local partners.
Legal basis
The WGA phases are regulated in the WIA:
- Article 15 WIA — General rules on work disability.
- Article 16 WIA — Assessment of work capacity.
- Article 17 WIA — Phases and benefit entitlement.
- Article 18 WIA — Earning additional income and adjustment of benefit.
In addition, UWV guidelines apply. For legal questions in Tilburg: District Court Zeeland-West-Brabant, Wilhelminapark 100, or Legal Aid Office Tilburg, Spoorlaan 364.
How are the WGA phases determined?
The UWV assesses based on medical data, work history and the regional labour market, including Tilburg. This is done via a labour expert and insurance physician.
Steps in the assessment
- Medical examination — Examination by physician, possibly in Tilburg.
- Job analysis — Analysis of old job and education.
- Labour market scan — Jobs in the Tilburg region within your capacity.
- Classification — Assignment to phase.
Practical examples of WGA phases
Below are examples, tailored to Tilburg situations:
| Phase | Description | Example (Tilburg) | Benefit |
|---|---|---|---|
| Phase 1 | No work possible | After back surgery, you are unable to lift; no work possible, not even with adaptations at Tilburg employers. | Full WGA (70-75% of old salary, max. maximum daily wage). |
| Phase 2 | Partial possible | You can do administrative work 4 hours per day; not your old physical job in logistics (common in Tilburg). | Partial benefit + wage-related component. |
| Phase 3 | Full possible | You have recovered and are employable for old machine operator role at local factory. | No benefit or minimal wage top-up. |
What to do in Tilburg?
Contact UWV, District Court Zeeland-West-Brabant (Wilhelminapark 100) for objection, or Legal Aid Office Tilburg (Spoorlaan 364) for free advice. They assist with WGA assessments and appeals.
Note: This is general information. Consult UWV for your situation.