Social protection

Since 2006 (Wet Werk en Inkomen naar Arbeidsvermogen, WIA) there is cover for those assessed as having a long-term occupational disability level of 35% (previously 15%).

There is also a minimum benefit for young disabled people under the Disablement Assistance Act for Handicapped Young Persons with a 25% disability assessment (Wet arbeidsongeschiktheidsvoorziening jonggehandicapten, Wajong).

If invalidity benefits, and unemployment benefits, are lower than the social minimum, a means tested supplement can be claimed under the Supplementary Benefit Act (Toeslagenwet, TW).

In 2008, the maximum daily level of WIA/WAO was initially 70% x 100/108 x €177.03 and then the same proportion of the minimum wage plus supplement for continuing claims.

Rehabilitation and re-training

There is financial compensation of costs for reasonable accommodation in the workplace for employers who recruit disabled employees or adapt their work role under the Act governing reintegration (Wet op de (re)integratie arbeidsgehandicapten, REA).

Preferential employment and quotas

There is no mandatory employment quota in the Netherlands, although legislation is discussed.

Long-term support and care

There is no single, national system of long-term care financing (although many risks are covered by contributions to a health insurance system).

Nursing, care, guidance, counselling and equipment may be provided at home.

Support for social participation and integration is available via the recently adopted Wet Maatschappelijke Ondersteuning (WMO - Law on Social Support), which is administered locally by municipalities.

In order to qualify for mobility devices such as scooters and rollators, or for adaptations to the home, one must be medically evaluated and qualify for support based on limitation.

Personal assistance is also possible, as is the Person-Specific Budget (PGB, or Persoonsgebonden budget) financed via the AWBZ, Algemene wet bijzonder zieketekosten (Extraordinary Expenses Law). The latter gives persons with a medical indication the freedom to organize and purchase their support as they see fit.