Status of Implementation and Problem Letters

With the Status of Implementation, the House is informed every six months about the developments in the implementation of social security. Implementing organizations UWV, SVB, and LCR also annually make visible in their so-called problem letters what their ambitions are and when laws and regulations no longer help the people for whom they are intended, for example, because they are too complicated.

UWV

The UWV is working hard with the ministry to correct the errors in the WIA benefits, adjust processes, and limit the increasing backlogs in WIA assessments in the short term, including by reintroducing the 60-plus measure. The Status of Implementation also contains a current overview of ongoing and new recovery actions in response to errors in implementation. The Status reports five new recovery actions at the UWV to the House.

Income Reduction Sick Leave Act and Work and Care Act

A mistake recently discovered by the UWV concerns the Sick Leave Act benefits (ZW benefits) and Work and Care Act benefits (Wazo benefits). Since 2016, in a part of the Sick Leave Act benefits (ZW benefits), the income reduction has not been (fully) applied when determining the amount of the benefit. Benefit recipients and employers have reported income, but the UWV has not deducted this income from the benefit in some cases. In other cases, the UWV has deducted this reported income from the benefit, but no definitive determination of the benefit has taken place. The result can be that too much or too little benefit has been provided. The error relates to a potentially significant number of ongoing and closed benefits. Additionally, the UWV has found that approximately 3,000 Wazo benefits have been incorrectly reduced. The ministry is currently examining the consequences for these benefits and the scope of a possible recovery action. As soon as there is more clarity, the House will be informed about this.

SVB

The SVB draws attention to all the different living forms within the AOW. There are 21 different ways in which people can live according to AOW rules, but these do not align well with how people actually live. The result of an AOW assessment is therefore often unclear for people. Conducting these assessments is complicated and may also require a home visit, which is experienced as intrusive. Therefore, the SVB wants to further simplify the AOW rules. The ministry is currently working with the SVB on an exploration regarding this, and a letter to the House will follow soon.

Simplification of Income Support

The cabinet wants to increase peoples security of existence. This can only happen if the income support system works well and effectively. Simplification at the implementing organizations plays an important role in this. Such as the problems of single earners in realizing a subsistence minimum due to a complex system, mentioned in the LCR problem letter. A resolved issue at the SVB is the simplification of the double child benefit. From July 1, 2024, parents of children with a Wlz indication will automatically receive the double child benefit. The ministry is working with the UWV to extend the application period for WW benefits. The original term of one week leads to undesirable situations for both people and implementers.