WAO is the acronym for the wet op de arbeidsongeschikt- heidsverzekering, the law covering the disability benefits paid to people who are incapable, or partially incapable, of working. In 2003 just under one million people (out of a working population of six million) were claiming WAO benefits. Since then new tests have been introduced the  WAO is being replaced by the WIA. Young people claim WAjong.