Incapacity for work and social security

Absence because of sickness is a common occurrence. Both employee and employer have obligations regarding the reintegration of sick employees. One of the most important obligations for the employer is the continued (partial) payment of wages during the first 104 weeks of sickness. After this period, an employee is possibly entitled to sickness benefits. This might result in costs for the employer, because of an increase of premiums or in the case of own-risk bearer status. Employees who become unemployed might be entitled to unemployment benefits. Sometimes employers also have own-risk bearer status for this or the applicable collective labour agreement obliges employers to supplement the benefits.