‘Back to Work’ voucher supports reintegration of people with a long-term illness
Starting on 1 April 2025, working persons with disabilities and the unemployed can use the Back to Work voucher (BTW voucher). This voucher will give them access to tailor-made assistance with recognised service providers in their neighbourhood, with the aim of reintegrating them into the labour market.
The voucher is part of the Back to Work fund launched by the NIHDI in April 2024, for working persons with disabilities and whose employment contract was terminated due to medical force majeure. In this situation, the employer is obliged to pay a contribution of 1,800 euros to the Back to Work fund. That money comes to the dismissed employee through a voucher for which they can apply.
Applying for the BTW voucher is easily accessible via the Guide me platform. Through this platform, people with a long-term illness easily find suitable assistance and professional support towards work resumption. It is also available to employers and BTW coordinators.
What can you do as an employer?
The Back to Work fund has existed since 1 April 2024. Since then, any employer terminating an employment contract due to medical force majeure must:
- Communicate this to the NIHDI
- Deposit a contribution of 1,800 euros into the BTW fund
The employee in question decides whether to use the voucher or not. However, you can inform the employee of the possibility and refer them.
Read more information about the Back to Work fund on the NIHDI’s website. (Only in Dutch or French)
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Read more information about it here and find out how to create a future-proof absenteeism policy.