Requesting a UWV expert opinion: which question and documents?
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Detailed explanation, checklist and sources
If reintegration stalls, a UWV expert opinion may help. First define the concrete question and collect the corresponding documents. This is advisory, not an objection decision or an automatic solution to a wage dispute.
On this page
1. Choose the right question
An employee or employer can ask UWV about full fitness for the original job, suitability of offered or proposed work, reintegration efforts or frequent sickness absence. Set out one concrete situation, relevant date and each side’s position. Different situations require separate applications. If the concern mainly concerns the occupational physician’s advice, a second opinion by another occupational physician may be a different suitable route.
2. Check whether UWV assesses this situation
UWV does not generally assess periods after employment ends, with an exception for employers bearing their own risk. Nor is this the route for a Ziektewet benefit paid by UWV, or where both parties agree there is no incapacity caused by illness. A known refusal to cooperate with medical examination prevents assessment of fitness for the original job. Ask UWV to clarify applicability if uncertain.
3. Prepare a focused file
Match documents to the question. Original or suitable work calls for the problem analysis, occupational physician’s communications and job or work description; suitable work also involves the occupational expert’s report. For reintegration efforts, the action plan, evaluations, current assessment and any external reintegration reports matter. List missing items and reasons. Connect the disputed point to evidence without putting medical details in employer documents. For frequent absence, collect three years of absence records, reduction advice, evaluation of adjustments/redeployment/training, why absence is expected beyond 26 weeks, the problem analysis and action plan. Supplement through the same form.
4. Use the correct official form
Use the employee or employer form through uwv.nl. UWV charges employees €100 per opinion and employers €400; certain employer applications connected to dismissal for insufficient cooperation or frequent absence are free. Explicitly state any wage-payment dispute. Keep the form and receipt. Preparation or a draft on this website is not an application to UWV.
5. Keep medical information separate
Follow the separate medical route: the employee posts health information in a separate envelope marked “medisch geheim”. UWV asks for the employee’s BSN and corresponding form-question number on those documents. Use the current UWV address on the source page and check sending arrangements. Our preparation requires no medical upload and shares no file with UWV or your employer. Medical post: UWV / Deskundigenoordeel, Postbus 56733,1040 AS Amsterdam. Both parties receive the application, opinion and non-medical attachments; the employer does not receive health information.
6. Discuss the outcome and other steps
UWV reports longer waits and contacts applicants first; a quick opinion is not guaranteed. There is no administrative objection against this advice, although UWV may use it when later assessing the reintegration report. Discuss concrete work arrangements after the result. Obtain prompt specialist help if wages stop, dismissal threatens or another deadline runs; our assistance request or this application does not automatically suspend those matters. UWV prioritises clear disagreement or an opinion enabling immediate reintegration. An employee is not generally obliged to cooperate with an employer's request. Refusing necessary medical examination on own-work fitness or reintegration efforts means no opinion and no charge.
Can I object to an unfavourable expert opinion?
Not to the opinion itself: it is advice. This differs from a benefit decision with an objection procedure. Have the appropriate response or proceedings and their deadlines assessed for any wage or dismissal dispute.
Documents to prepare
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Specific question, date and each side’s position
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For each event, note the date, what happened and where the evidence is kept. Example: 3 October — letter received — correspondence folder.
Describe the solution you would like, such as an explanation of a deduction and repayment of the outstanding amount.
For example: which document is missing, who can provide it and what should I do first?
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After your conversation
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- Specific question, date and each side’s position
- Employment, Ziektewet and possible exceptions
- Documents relevant to the chosen situation
- Missing papers and wage dispute clearly noted
- Correct form, costs and separate medical posting
- Receipt and agreed next steps
Contact with a lawyer
You can use the chat and information without a phone number. A contact request requires a phone number, a verified email address and your wish for telephone contact. Our team assesses which partner fits your question. Data is shared only under the stated consent procedure. A partner or engagement is not guaranteed.
View the current application processSources
Need personal assistance? Request a lawyer through our chat. We explain the next step; submitting a request does not engage a lawyer. The links below support the legal information.
UWV · Deskundigenoordeel aanvragen ↗Arboportaal · Verschil met second opinion ↗UWV · Expert opinion employee form and medical route ↗Sources may be in Dutch. General information about Dutch law, not individual legal advice.