Are you allowed to work with IVA benefits?

This is a question often asked by individuals who are told that they will be receiving this benefit. The answer is yes, you certainly may! Even if you receive IVA benefits, in some cases you can continue to work (in part). This even has advantages - as long as you follow a few rules. Below you will find more explanation about working when you receive IVA benefit.

What is an IVA benefit?

The IVA (Inkomensvoorziening Volledig Arbeidsongeschiktten) is a benefit from the UWV for people who:

• Still only able to earn 20% or less of their former salary;
• And where it is almost certain to remain so in the future.

The IVA is meant to be a safety net for people who are permanently totally disabled. But "completely incapacitated for work" does not mean that you can no longer do anything at all. You can find more information about this benefit on the UWV website.

Working with IVA benefits

You are allowed to earn up to 20% of your old income on top, without this affecting your IVA entitlement. So, for example, do you work 1 day a week (about 20% of your old working week) and receive a small salary for that? Then your IVA benefit continues as normal. Your income from work is partly offset against your benefit, but you usually retain something financially.

Example: You previously worked full-time, but now manage to work 1 day a week in a suitable light-duty position. You earn about 20% of your former salary. In that case, you retain your IVA benefit and receive a small additional income from your work.

What if you can work more?

Does it turn out that you can earn more than 20% of your former wage? Then your IVA benefit will be terminated. You may then qualify for a WGA benefit (Work resumption for the partially disabled). This will supplement your wages if you are not yet able to work completely. You must report this to the UWV.

Example: You initially work 1 day a week, but expand this to 2 days. You now earn more than 20% of your former salary. The IVA stops, and you receive WGA benefits instead. Your new salary is partially supplemented through this scheme.

Note: If after some time you do stop working (partially) again, you may be entitled to unemployment benefits for the part you worked. Or - if your medical situation worsens - you may be reassessed for work disability. You can also find more information about this on the UWV website.

Questions or doubts? Please contact Puls

Do you doubt whether working alongside your IVA benefit is sensible or possible in your situation? Or do you want to know what the consequences might be if you start working (again)? Feel free to contact us. We are happy to think along with you and offer appropriate advice based on your personal situation.