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Sickness Benefits Exception for Self-Employed in Tilburg

Discover when self-employed individuals in Tilburg are entitled to Sickness Benefits despite lacking standard insurance. Conditions, application, and local assistance via UWV and Juridisch Loket.

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Sickness Benefits Exception for Self-Employed in Tilburg

As a self-employed person in Tilburg, you are normally not automatically insured for the Sickness Benefits Act (Ziektewet, ZW). However, there are specific exceptions that make entitlement to benefits in case of illness possible. Read here when you as a self-employed person (zzp'er) in Tilburg can claim ZW and how to apply for it with the UWV.

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

The Sickness Benefits Act (ZW) compensates for loss of income due to illness or occupational disability. Self-employed individuals in Tilburg and surrounding areas are not standardly insured for this, as they do not pay wage-related premiums. However, exceptions exist for situations in which self-employed individuals are considered economically equivalent to employees.

These rules are set out in the Sickness Benefits Act, WIA and related decrees. In Tilburg, you can go to the UWV office or the Juridisch Loket Tilburg at Spoorlaan 364 with questions.

Legal basis in Tilburg

Important laws for ZW exceptions for self-employed:

  • Sickness Benefits Act (ZW, art. 1): Basic rules for benefits.
  • WIA (art. 1.2): Occupational disability and follow-up benefits.
  • Sickness Benefits for Self-Employed Decree 2004: Specific conditions for self-employed persons.
  • AWBZ (replaced by Wlz): Supplementary care support.

For self-employed in Tilburg, economic equivalence applies if you have paid national insurance premiums (AOW/ANW) for at least 12 months.

Conditions for Sickness Benefits as a self-employed person in Tilburg

Three essential conditions:

  1. 1. Economically equivalent to an employee

    Paid AOW/ANW premiums for at least 12 months, demonstrable self-employed income (e.g. >€8,000/year) and limited assets. In Tilburg, they check this strictly upon application.

    Example: Tilburg self-employed consultant with 2 years AOW premiums and €12,000 annual income may qualify.

  2. 2. Medically occupationally disabled

    Assessment by UWV insurance physician (AAB). You must be unable to work due to illness.

    Example: Local hospitality entrepreneur with chronic pain after application via UWV.

  3. 3. Insufficient alternative income

    No or too low income from work, savings or partner. The benefit covers basic needs.

    Example: Tilburg freelancer without reserves due to burnout.

How to apply for Sickness Benefits in Tilburg?

1. Report yourself immediately ill to UWV within 2 days via uwv.nl/ziekmelden.

2. Provide proof: payslips, income tax returns, medical certificate.

3. Make an appointment at UWV Tilburg or digitally. Decision within 8 weeks.

Need help? Go to Juridisch Loket Tilburg, Spoorlaan 364 for free advice.

Legal aid in Tilburg

In case of objection/appeal: District Court Zeeland-West-Brabant, Wilhelminapark 100, Breda (location for Tilburg cases).

Benefit approx. 70% of daily wage, max. 2 years. Check uwv.nl for current amounts.

Always check current legislation with UWV. This information is general and not legal advice.