Legal assistance in case of illness and unemployment benefits

Questioner

I have been on unemployment benefits since 14/4/2016 after being a self-employed entrepreneur for almost a year. I was still entitled to unemployment benefits and went back on unemployment benefits mainly because I am ill. Now I don't really dare to report myself sick because I'm afraid they'll throw me off unemployment benefits. I have a mental disorder that may last a long time. What should I do now?

Lawyer

Dismissal from unemployment benefits is not that simple. If you are ill, your unemployment benefits will be stopped and you will receive a sickness benefit. You will then have to visit the insurance doctor for an assessment. For further questions, you can contact us directly and free of charge.

Questioner

Thank you for taking the time to review and answer my questions. I do indeed have a question, so I would like to take advantage of your offer. I contacted the UWV today because I had a meeting with my therapist yesterday, and after this meeting I wonder even more whether it is right to report myself sick, especially since I really want to go to work, and this is also much better for my medical condition. The only problem is that I can't easily find a job that suits me in the 'normal' way. Career guidance is therefore very important. I wanted to make an appointment at the UWV to talk about this, but I can only go to a public consultation hour otherwise it takes 3 weeks. In addition, I can only talk in a public place, that is to say that I am afraid that others can hear our conversation because it is not a closed space. I asked if there was another way to do this and the answer was no. I have experienced this not so flexible attitude before at the UWV and it reinforces the idea that they are not going to help me. Because I do not fit into a certain framework. Because I saw this coming a bit, I posted my original question on this forum. My question now is what is wise? Should I just call in sick? Or should I try to get help in another way? Perhaps it will help if I tell you my diagnosis: it is borderline, and you can work well with that, but a number of preconditions must be met. Again, I really want to work, but I want a suitable job. Failure for the umpteenth time is not very conducive to my process towards, at least, improvement...

Lawyer

I understand your situation, but I cannot determine what is wise for you. However, it is true that if you still feel ill, you should work on that first, I think. I think that you can develop a step-by-step plan for this together with your therapist. He/she may be able to advise you better. In any case, much success. Kind regards, Mr.