Applying for sheltered employment

What is it?

You can and would like to work. But you cannot find or keep a job, because you need guidance or your workplace needs to be adapted due to a physical, psychological or mental disability. If this is so costly or intensive that this investment cannot be asked of an employer, you may be able to get a "Sheltered Employment Indication". If you have a "Sheltered Employment Indication," the municipality must ensure that you actually get such a sheltered job and that you receive the support you need.

How does it work?

If the municipality wants to know whether sheltered employment is the only option for you, it will send an application for a sheltered employment indication to the UWV. The UWV determines whether you qualify for sheltered employment.

Would you like to know yourself if you qualify for sheltered employment? Submit an application "indication beschut werk" to the UWVA copy of the indication is sent to the municipality by the UWV. You will then also receive a letter from the municipality.

Once you have received the indication yourself, you can apply to the municipality for a sheltered workplace. You may be put on a waiting list first, as it may take some time before a workplace is found for you. The municipality arranges the employment for sheltered work.

Do you need additional accommodations at your workplace or job because you cannot work properly otherwise? Your supervisor will go over the following things with you at the workplace:

  • Is your workplace suitable for you;
  • Is the space you will be working in suitable for you;
  • are the tasks given to you to be performed well by you;
  • Is the pace at which you have to work not too fast;
  • you can sustain the number of hours and days you have to work.

If necessary, the workplace or the work itself, will be adapted to your capabilities. Is more or different guidance needed? Then you can get it. For example, you can get help from a work coach or a supervisor.

How long does it take?

After the application for indication of sheltered employment, you will receive written notification from the UWV within 8 weeks.

The municipality arranges the employment for sheltered work. You may be put on a waiting list first, as it may take some time to find a workplace for you.

Additional information

Sheltered employment and a Wsw place

Sheltered work is not the same as a Wsw place, but it is similar. Many of the people who now have (and keep) a Wsw place do not qualify for a sheltered workplace. This is because - if necessary with a wage subsidy - they could work for an ordinary employer.

Local regulations