Minister Eddy van Hijum: “I want a social security system that works for people. This is often not the case now. We have a system that is only understandable to experts, while it is unclear for implementers and those in need. This must be better and simpler. However, simplifying is not easy; there are no simple solutions. We must work on this so that people feel heard, implementers can fulfill their tasks, and the system becomes more humane.”
The minister supports the conclusion of the Court of Audit that the current WIA is unimplementable. Serious errors have occurred in awarding this benefit. Furthermore, the current system often leads to unfairness. People with less than 35% disability find it difficult to get jobs, and repayments create uncertainty about their income. The goal that the system ensures that more people remain partially or fully employed is not being achieved.
Minister van Hijum is considering significantly simplifying the WIA by reducing the number of regulations and focusing more on what people can actually earn. The cabinet also continues to work on a scheme for the self-employed and is looking for solutions for those who currently have no right to a WIA benefit due to a low disability percentage (the so-called 35-minners) but also cannot get back to work. The letter includes details on various measures and an estimate of the costs per measure.