The objective of the Eligibility of Permanent Disability Benefit (Restrictions) Act is to reduce the numbers claiming disability benefits. This is possible by intervening more quickly and effectively in imminent protracted absenteeism, since absenteeism processes are shorter when rapid action is taken.
The division of responsibilities is accentuated with the Eligibility for Permanent Disability Benefit (Restrictions) Act. The employer, employee and health and safety service play a more active role in the reintegration process.
Reintegration file
In the event of imminent protracted absenteeism, all parties are obligated to keep a reintegration file. The employer keeps track of the most important reintegration activities. The employee can address the employer and the health and safety agency on their obligations and should provide an extract from the file - the reintegration report – in his/her disability benefit request.
Afterwards, the process is assessed by the social security benefits administration. Sanctions are applied for inadequate reintegration efforts.
Sanctions
If an employer cannot adequately show reintegration efforts, a sanction of up to six months' of continued payment of wages is applied in the second year of illness. The social security benefits association may even suspend the disability benefit assessment of an employee who fails to cooperate fully in returning to work. The employee then faces a temporary lack of income.