Requesting a communication support worker
If you need a communication support worker (‘schrijf- of gebarentolk’) because you are hard of hearing, for example during education, at work or in a private situation, you can apply at UWV (Employee Insurance Agency) for free use of a communication support worker for a certain number of hours per year.
Last updated on 1 September 2024
Requesting a communication support worker for different situations
You can request for communication support at UWV for:
- your education. For example to attend lessons.
- your work or if you are looking for work, such as for a job interview.
- private situations. This could include a conversation with a doctor or an event such as a wedding.
Applications for communication support are made to UWV. UWV will assess your application and determine how many hours of communication support you will get per year.
Hearing test needed for request communication support
In order to assess your application for communication support, UWV needs one of these documents:
- the result of your hearing test. This is called an audiogram;
- a statement from your physician or specialist. This says that you need a communication support worker.
If you have already received communication support from UWV, you will not need to send these documents.
Arranging a communication support worker via Tolkcontact
UWV works with Tolkcontact. UWV transmits the hours you will receive to Tolkcontact, who will then help you find a communication support worker. Once you have been granted hours for communication support from UWV, you can arrange a communication support worker.
Find out how to arrange communication support (in Dutch) on Tolkcontact’s website.