What is a return to work premium? How do you apply for it?

    To promote the reintegration of vulnerable employees, the Government of Flanders created the work resumption premium. The aim is to stimulate a progressive return to work for employees with a work incapacity lasting at least one year.

    When a long-term incapacitated or sick employee gradually resumes work, we refer to this as progressive work resumption. This could take the form of part-time employment or performing other (lighter) work, for example. 

    On this page:

    Which employees qualify for a return to work premium?

    For employees who have been incapacitated for work for at least one year and progressively resume work for at least three months, you can request a one-off return to work premium.

    Many conditions must be satisfied to qualify for a return to work premium. More information is available on the RIZIV website (in Dutch or French).

    How much is a return to work premium?

    The initial maximum amount of 1000 euros was later increased to 1,725 euros for work resumption beginning earliest on 1 January 2024. The original measure was temporary, but has now been extended. This means that work resumption starting as from April 2025 may qualify for a return to work premium. No new end date has been defined.

    How do you request a return to work premium?

    As an employer, it is up to you to submit a request to receive this premium. This can be done at the earliest three months after the start of the progressive work resumption.

    To do so, send an online request to the health insurance fund of the employee. To submit this online request, you should log in on the website of the CIN-NIC.

    Requests on paper are no longer accepted.

    The premium itself is paid by the health insurance fund to which the employee is affiliated.

    Does the measure also apply retroactively?

    Absolutely. Premiums can also be claimed for progressive employment as from 1 April 2023.

    Please note: the premium does not apply if it is an extension of a progressive work resumption that began before 1 April 2023.

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