UWV extends assessment time for disability benefits as backlog grows

The benefits agency UWV is temporarily extending its decision-making period for occupational disability benefit (WIA) assessments and reassessments from eight to 16 weeks, starting next year.

The agency has been unable to meet its eight-week deadline for some time. This is due to an increase in assessment requests and a shortage of insurance physicians. As a result, people who may be incapacitated for work are left in uncertainty about whether and when their benefits will be approved.

According to the UWV, it made the decision to extend the deadline in consultation with the Ministry of Social Affairs and Employment “within the framework of the General Administrative Law Act.” The agency said it regretted the need to take this step.

The UWV also said it was in discussions with the Minister about possible solutions to help people better and faster.

This temporary arrangement will expire once the backlog has been reduced and there are more insurance physicians to help with assessments.