Investments are being made in social-medical centers and people over 60 will be assessed more quickly. Measures are also being taken to structurally reduce the pressure on the implementation. The spring memorandum has allocated extra budget for this. The measures will ensure that waiting lists do not grow as quickly in the coming years as they otherwise would have. According to current forecasts, the waiting list will grow to 100,000 in 2027 and 200,000 in 2030. In addition to the WIA, backlogs are also expected to increase significantly in reassessments, sickness benefit services, and expert opinions.

Minister Eddy van Hijum of Social Affairs and Employment: “When you become disabled, you want to know quickly what to expect. The rapidly increasing backlogs are therefore very concerning. I am very worried about the current state of our system. The measures we are now taking – both for the short and medium term – will make a difference and alleviate the pressure on implementation. But to really reduce the backlogs, more is needed. A fundamental revision is more necessary than ever. Therefore, I will continue to work on a proposal for structural adjustments, so that a new cabinet can get started with this immediately.”

More and more employees are becoming ill and are applying for a disability benefit. This is partly due to the increasing number of people working and people working until an older age. There is also an effect as a result of the coronavirus pandemic. Additionally, there is a notable increase in the number of psychological disorders. Extra research is being conducted to gain more insight into this.

At the same time, the number of assessments that the UWV can conduct is expected to decrease in the coming years. This is due to the pressure that various recovery operations place on the UWV, due to inadequate digital support and the tight labor market. In 2024, the UWV managed to recruit 130 new doctors while 100 doctors leave each year due to retirement or other natural turnover.

The UWV will also stop hiring doctors through self-employed constructions from this year to comply with the law. The UWV currently has 72 FTEs of doctors working through a self-employed construction, responsible for about 20% of the assessments. These doctors have been offered a permanent position at the UWV.

In the short term, 36 million euros per year will be invested in social-medical centers. People aged 60 and over who qualify for an assessment will also receive clarity more quickly, as the UWV will need less time for their assessment. Additionally, the current waiver policy will be made structural. This gives people the certainty that they do not have to repay the advance they receive while waiting for their assessment.

In the medium term, two measures will be taken to relieve the pressure. People will receive clarity more quickly as the disability percentage for those working will be determined based on the income earned from that work. This practical way of assessing will go faster and make it clearer for all parties involved.

Secondly, the medical advice of the company doctor will be leading in determining what someone can still do to return to work. This will give employers more certainty regarding their obligations concerning wage payment during illness. This was also one of the measures recommended by the Independent Commission on the Future of the Disability Benefits System (OCTAS). Minister van Hijum wants to submit a legislative proposal for this.