How do I apply for sheltered work?
What would you like help with?
Detailed explanation, checklist and sources
Ask UWV for a work-capacity assessment, or ask your municipality to request sheltered-work advice. UWV advises; the municipality decides on a sheltered workplace. Positive advice is not immediate placement.
On this page
1. Your situation
Sheltered work is for people needing support or workplace adaptations a regular employer cannot provide. Jobs and skill levels vary; a diagnosis alone is insufficient.
2. Conditions
You receive a UWV benefit, or qualify for municipal employment help and also belong to a group: municipal benefit (not special assistance alone), SVB orphan/survivor benefit, work with a provision below minimum wage in the past two years without wage-cost subsidy, or unemployed and registered as a jobseeker without UWV/SVB/municipal benefit. Working alongside a benefit does not exclude applying.
3. Preparation
Describe tasks you can perform, support required and why ordinary work is unsuitable. Gather previous assessments, provision details, employment and benefit information. Send medical papers through UWV's secure route, not unnecessarily to the employer.
4. Apply
Use Beoordeling arbeidsvermogen through the official source and select sheltered work; use the choice helper if unsure. The municipality can request Advies indicatie beschut werk. Keep application/receipt and provide requested information.
5. Decision
UWV sends advice to the municipality. Ask it about placement and next steps; there is no assumed fixed start date. Sheltered work pays at least minimum wage. Employers can seek municipal wage-cost subsidy, which does not mean paying below minimum wage.
6. Next steps
Advice remains valid while your situation is unchanged. After refusal, reapply after one year, or immediately if circumstances change. The municipality may offer other work support or social assistance after negative advice. For a challenge, identify the actual UWV/municipal decision and follow its deadline.
Does positive UWV advice guarantee immediate work?
No. UWV advises and the municipality assesses placement. Ask the municipality about your concrete next steps and timing.
Documents to prepare
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- Support needed
- Why ordinary work is unsuitable
- Benefit or municipal group
- Work and provision evidence
- Application and receipt
- Advice and municipal follow-up
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UWV · Beschut werk ↗Sources may be in Dutch. General information about Dutch law, not individual legal advice.