Risicodragers

Risicodragers are entities in the Dutch social security system that bear the financial risk for employee-related sickness and disability benefits instead of the national agency UWV. The term is most often used in the context of the Ziektewet (sickness benefit) and the WIA (Work and Income according to Labor Capacity).

Typically, risicodragers are employers or municipalities that opt to self-insure; they can cover these costs themselves or purchase private insurance or reinsurance. They must meet conditions and be registered with UWV; once designated, UWV's obligation to pay sickness benefits for those employees is replaced by the employer's financing and administration, subject to the relevant regulations.

The arrangement is divided into two tracks: risicodragerschap ziektewet and risicodragerschap WGA/IVA (long-term disability). In the Ziektewet track, the employer pays sickness benefits for the initial period; in WGA/IVA, the employer finances ongoing disability benefits for eligible employees. Employers generally perceive potential cost control and faster reintegration, but also bear greater financial risk and administrative burden.

Reversion is possible: a risicodrager can revert to UWV partly or in full if obligations are not met or upon changes in status, with transitional rules. The concept is governed by Dutch law and UWV regulations.