UWV

UWV, short for Uitvoeringsinstituut Werknemersverzekeringen, is a Dutch government agency responsible for implementing employee insurances and providing public employment services. It operates under the Ministry of Social Affairs and Employment and serves workers, employers, and job seekers across the Netherlands.

Established in 2009 through the consolidation of several public bodies responsible for social security and labor market services, UWV administers income protection and re-employment programs for people who become unemployed, fall ill, or are disabled. The agency handles applications, determinations, and payments for benefits such as unemployment benefits (WW), sickness benefits (Ziektewet), and disability benefits under the WIA (Work and Income to Account for Labor Capacity), including its WGA and IVA components. It also manages related wage and income support programs.

Beyond benefit administration, UWV provides reintegration and employment support services. It maintains job placement assistance, vocational rehabilitation guidance, and information for employers on hiring and compliance, aiming to facilitate re-entry into work and reduce long-term dependence on benefits. The organization also collects and analyzes labor market data to inform policy and program design.

UWV operates through a national network of offices and is governed by a board of directors reporting to the Minister of Social Affairs and Employment. Its funding comes from the Dutch social security system, combining government resources with payroll-based contributions collected by the tax authorities and allocated to UWV. The agency emphasizes accuracy, transparency, and customer service in administering benefits and employment services.