On Thursday, February 29, the Independent Commission on the Future of the Disability Benefits System (OCTAS) presented its advice to Minister Van Gennip (SZW). In this advice, OCTAS presents three options to simplify the current overly complex system for sickness and disability. Additionally, OCTAS makes several proposals to address bottlenecks for people without (recent) work history.
The advice now given by OCTAS is a follow-up to the problem analysis presented last October. In it, the commission extensively outlined the complexity of the current system for all stakeholders.
‘Current system improved’ is the first option outlined by OCTAS. In this option, OCTAS proposes a significant number of measures to make the current system less complex, more humane, and more understandable. For instance, the WIA will be simplified by basing it on one regulation instead of the current three. Additionally, a scheme for the self-employed and a lower threshold for disability will allow more people to qualify for the WIA. Especially those who previously had a flexible contract with a low income will benefit from these measures.
In the ‘Work comes first’ option, the emphasis is on what people can do, rather than what they cannot do. In this option, OCTAS outlines a method where the possibilities for reintegration are first examined. During this period of 3 to 5 years, an individual receives a reintegration benefit. This prevents someone from quickly being labeled as ‘disabled’. After this, the disability assessment follows. People for whom reintegration is not feasible will then qualify for a final disability benefit (AO final benefit).
In the ‘Basis for workers’ option, OCTAS outlines one equal regulation for all workers. Both employees and self-employed individuals will thus fall under the same regulation. All workers will be assessed, supported, and guided towards possible reintegration in the same way in this option. One regulation aims to make the system more suitable for people who alternately or simultaneously work in paid employment and as self-employed. For workers, there will be a mandatory supplementary insurance, ensuring that their income protection remains largely unchanged compared to the ‘current system improved’ option.
For people without (recent) work history, the current system is primarily a maze. OCTAS also makes various proposals to intensify the services and better align them with needs. These are not choices but minimally necessary measures to alleviate the bottlenecks.
Regardless of which option is chosen, according to commission chair Roos Vermeij, it is possible to simplify many matters by starting from the perspective of people. ‘Complexity is often an expression of regulatory zeal and efficiency compulsion. We believe that people should understand what their rights are, what their obligations are, and what their perspective is.’ Vermeij points out that to achieve actual simplifications, it is necessary for all stakeholders to cooperate in further developing the options. ‘The options are alternatives from which a choice can be made. Without making a choice, we provide a vision of a system for people who become sick or disabled, with more attention and more security for people. It is important to start from mutual trust. Employers must also be given more opportunities to support reintegration. Current regulations impose too many restrictions on them.’
OCTAS was established on November 25, 2022, by Minister Van Gennip. With the advice now issued, the commission fulfills its mandate to create a problem analysis and present multiple solutions for fundamental, structural bottlenecks existing in the current system. In addition to commission chair Roos Vermeij, the commission consists of Bruno Bruins, Sita Mohabir, Maarten Lindeboom, Josine Westerbeek-Huitink, Neele Kistemaker, Pierre Koning, Irmgard Borghouts, Wout de Boer, and Harry van de Kraats.