During the assessment of work ability, your state of health and any restrictions on activity and participation arising from your state of health will be taken into account. This is done by assessing your physical and mental abilities in different areas. 

Physical fitness refers to physical activities, such as walking, running and climbing stairs, and body postures, such as standing and sitting. The time and effort required to complete the activity are taken into account. Physical fitness can be affected by, for example, a missing limb, deformity of the joints, muscular atrophy, mild fatigue or shortness of breath.

Mental capacity means the ability to acquire skills, to connect with people, to perceive the surrounding environment and human relationships, to react to different situations. Mental capacity can be affected, for example, by mental illness or learning disabilities, as well as mental disorders resulting from trauma. Mental health problems can also accompany chronic physical illness, for example, leading to depression and a decline in mental capacity.

The assessment of work ability consists of five steps:

• a doctor’s visit
• submitting an application for an assessment of work ability
• the drafting of an expert opinion
• reaching a decision on the scope of the assessment of work ability
• paying work ability allowance and, if necessary, advising you, as well as providing employment services to help you continue working or get a job.