Personal Return to Work Budgets for Persons with Disabilities: Demand-Based Delivery of Re-Integration Services in the Netherlands

Abstract

The Dutch have implemented a new strategy – demand-based delivery of rehabilitation and employment services – in order to improve the return to the workforce of public benefits recipients. People with disabilities who need to leave the benefit rolls may apply for a voucher known as a “personal labour re-integration budget”. This programme provides the responsibility, tools and budget to carry out a custom-made plan to acquire services for empowerment and return to the labour market.

The background of the Dutch approach, initial implementation problems, favourable outcomes and subsequent nationwide application, which is now also available for the unemployed and persons on social assistance, are reported.

Keywords

vocational rehabilitation employment services demand-side programmes personal budgets vouchers pilot schemes national implementation

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