What is 3rd track reintegration?

Reintegration in the 3rd track is the guidance of an employee with a WGA benefit (35-80% incapacitated for work) to suitable work after two years of illness. This process follows the first and second track of reintegration and is especially applicable if the employer is a self-risk carrier for the WGA. The aim is to increase the employee's income and to limit the benefit costs for the employer.

When does the 3rd track start?

Third track reintegration starts after the WIA inspection, so after an employee 104 weeks ill has been. If, according to the UWV, the employee can still work partially, he will receive a WGA benefit.

Employers who are self-risk bearers for the WGA are then responsible for:

• (co) paying the WGA benefit
• Actively guiding the employee to work
• Using the residual earning capacity

📌 Please note: even if you you are not a self-risk carrier, as an employer, you remain in accordance with the law until 10 years of responsibility for reintegration efforts after the wage payment period.

What does 3rd track reintegration mean?

The third track is in line with previous reintegration efforts (1st and 2nd tracks). This often involves employees who have not worked for a long time, which increases the distance from the labor market.

Typical parts of a 3rd railway route:

• Refocusing on work and opportunities
• Refreshing interview skills
• Job hunting focused on sustainable relocation
• Coaching on motivation, resilience and work rhythm
• Guidance towards self-employment (if appropriate)

The focus is on realistic placement within the limited possibilities of the employee, but with a clear focus on using the residual earning capacity.

Why is 3rd track relevant for employers?

For employers who WGA self-risk carrier are, a successful reintegration into track 3 can be very beneficial:

• Lower benefit costs: less tax from the UWV
• Long-term cost savings: reintegration is cheaper than paying for years
• Social impact: helping the long-term ill to get to work

Employers can also outsource the 3rd railway route to an insurer or a specialized reintegration agency.

What is the advantage of a reintegration office at 3rd track?

Third track reintegration is complex. The employee is often out of work for a long time, and the employer has to deal with many obligations. A professional reintegration agency:

• Takes care of the process
• Knows the rules of the UWV and WGA
• Offers customized guidance towards work
• Increases the chances of successful placement

A good match between candidate and work means for the employee more income and for the employer a lower financial burden.

Summary: what is 3rd track reintegration?

• Starting time: After 2 years of illness and WIA inspection
• For whom: Employees with WGA benefits (35-80% incapacitated for work)
• Goal: Redeployment into appropriate work and utilization of residual income capacity
• Responsibility: With an employer, especially as a WGA self-risk carrier
• Duration: Up to 10 years after the gatekeeper period
• Approach: Coaching, job hunting, job counseling, customization

Looking for guidance with a track 2 process?

Care4Careers supports employers and employees with expert guidance, customized solutions and complete file structure. Feel free to contact us.

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