Abolition of simplified WIA assessment for those 60+: what does it mean?
On Jan. 1, 2025, the simplified WIA scheme for those over 60 officially expired. As a result, an employee, aged 60 or older, who has been sick for two years or more as of 2025 will be assessed in the regular way again. However, there is an exception for this. If someone is required to continue to pay wages for longer than two years, the UWV will still assess them in the simplified manner. However, this only applies if this employee was sick for two years in the period between October 1, 2022 and December 31, 2024 and at that time was 60 years of age or older. (Source: UWV).
The consequences
The elimination of this arrangement affects both employers and employees, especially those over 60 who are in a 2nd track program and must look for a new job when the current position is no longer suitable.
The repeal means that older employees have the same reintegration requirements as any other employee. As a result, every 60+ employee must:
- Participate as actively as younger employees in reintegration programs, including 2nd track, seeking suitable employment with another employer;
- Allow for longer pathways before WIA benefits are awarded, which can cause financial uncertainty;
- Making more effort to increase their job opportunities despite age discrimination and health limitations.
Tips for those over 60 in a 2nd track pathway
In a 2nd track trajectory, it is mandatory to actively search for a suitable job at your current load capacity through job application activities, so that the UWV can see that you have actively completed your reintegration. This of course with the help of your reintegration coach. Below are tips to increase your chances when orienting yourself on the labor market:
- Recognize your strengths
Analyze your work experience, skills and qualities that you have gained and deployed recently. You probably have gained a lot of skills over the past few years that can be used in the new position. - Networking
Take advantage of your network. Inform both your personal and business network that you are looking for a new challenge, so they too can help in your search for a new challenge. Also, LinkedIn is a powerful platform to connect with potential employers and there are staffing agencies and/or secondment companies on the market that focus specifically on those over 60. In addition, 2nd track allows for work experience placements (a type of internship). This offers opportunities, if you are looking for a completely new position, to try it out for a certain time first. - Be flexible in your search
Consider part-time work, freelance assignments or a different industry. This shows that you are open to a different challenge and it increases your chances of returning to work.
Learn more
Are you in a 2nd track pathway and need questions or support? A career and reintegration consultant from Puls helps employees in a 2nd track trajectory discover their qualities and potential for the future and offers support in finding a suitable job. Want to know more? Then contact us without obligation.
