Waiting times for an initial WIA disability assessment have risen again. The Dutch employee insurance agency UWV confirmed this after reports by AD and EenVandaag. In some cases, people now wait up to 15 months, even though the official assessment period lasts 16 weeks.
Earlier this year, reports already showed that many applicants waited about six months for an assessment. A UWV spokesperson says several factors drive the longer delays. The agency faces an “enormously high influx” of applications and has too few medical examiners.
Leeuwarden and Groningen have the longest waiting times. In these regions, delays can reach up to 15 months. Central and East Brabant also face major backlogs, with waits of about one year before the first assessment.
People who apply for the benefit receive an advance payment during the waiting period. They do not have to repay this money, even if the final assessment shows they do not qualify for the benefit.
@ANP | News Brainport
