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Sickness Benefits Recovery Obligation: Your Duties During Illness

Under the **Sickness Benefits Act (ZW)** in Tilburg, a **recovery obligation** applies: you must do everything to recover quickly. What are your duties and rights? And if your employer calls you back? Everything explained with local info for Tilburg.

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Sickness Benefits Recovery Obligation: Your Duties During Illness in Tilburg

Are you ill, residing in Tilburg and have no employer? Then you may be eligible for a benefit under the **Sickness Benefits Act (ZW)**. A crucial condition is the **recovery obligation**: you must reasonably do everything to recover as soon as possible. This obligation is laid down in the law and is necessary to maintain your benefit. What does this mean for you in Tilburg? And what if your former employer wants you to return? We explain it step by step, including local contact points such as the District Court of Zeeland-West-Brabant at Wilhelminapark 100 and the Tilburg Legal Aid Office at Spoorlaan 364.

What Does the Recovery Obligation Entail Under the Sickness Benefits Act?

The **recovery obligation** requires you as a ZW benefit recipient to take all reasonable steps for recovery and return to work. In practice, this means:

  • Complying with instructions from your doctor, therapist or specialist, such as medication or therapy.
  • Cooperating in rehabilitation, recovery programs or return-to-work plans.
  • Not obstructing recovery, e.g. by refusing medical help without a valid reason.
  • Keeping your (former) employer and **UWV** up to date on your medical status and limitations.
This duty is regulated in **Article 40 of the Sickness Benefits Act** and **Article 41 of the Awbz**. Non-compliance may lead to sanctions such as withdrawal of your benefit by the UWV in Tilburg.

Legal Basis: The Relevant Laws

The recovery obligation is based on these legal frameworks:

  • Sickness Benefits Act (ZW), art. 40: Obligation to cooperate in recovery; UWV may demand information on your progress.
  • Awbz, art. 41: Compliance with medical recommendations, including for rehabilitation.
  • Implementation Decree ZW, art. 2.10: Requirements for providing information, such as medical reports or a **personal recovery plan**.
The UWV may impose specific **recovery measures**, such as a consultation at a rehabilitation center in Tilburg. Unjustified refusal results in suspension of the benefit.

Practical Examples of Recovery Obligation in Tilburg

Below are concrete situations to clarify:

Example 1: Ignoring Physiotherapy

Case: After surgery in Tilburg, your doctor advises physiotherapy for better mobility. You refuse because you 'don't feel like it'. Consequence: UWV may suspend your ZW benefit. You can object to this decision at the UWV and possibly appeal to the District Court of Zeeland-West-Brabant, Wilhelminapark 100 in Tilburg. Provide evidence of a medical contraindication (e.g. doctor's statement) to strengthen your position.

Example 2: Rejecting Employer's Recovery Plan

Case: Your former employer in Tilburg offers a phased return-to-work plan, approved by the occupational physician. You refuse because you don't feel ready yet. Consequence: If the plan is reasonable, you are obliged to participate; otherwise, the benefit stops. Seek medical advice via the Tilburg Legal Aid Office, Spoorlaan 364 to demonstrate why it is not possible.

Example 3: Ignoring UWV Requests

Case: The UWV Tilburg requests an update on your recovery, including medical documents. You do not respond. Consequence: Automatic sanction possible. Always respond in time and seek help from the Legal Aid Office if you get stuck.

What to Do in Case of Problems? Local Help in Tilburg

If things go wrong? Contact:

  • Tilburg Legal Aid Office: Spoorlaan 364, for free advice on ZW and recovery obligation.
  • District Court of Zeeland-West-Brabant: Wilhelminapark 100, for objection and appeal procedures.
  • UWV office in the region for personal guidance.
Build your file with doctor's statements and correspondence to safeguard your rights.