What to do if you are unable to work for a time

Do these statements reflect your situation?

• You have not been able to do business for some time, or only to a limited extent.
• You do not know if you can still make ends meet.
• You are unsure about what step to take, stop or continue?

> Back to continue or end your business

What options do you have?

Read here what you can do.

1. Use your financial safety net

Do you have disability insurance, a donation circle, or other arrangements? Or do you have some savings? Use these as temporary income. This will give you time and peace of mind to think about your next step.

2. Apply for benefits for entrepreneurs

Check with your municipality to see if you are eligible for a social assistance scheme for entrepreneurs, such as BBZ or IOAZ. These benefits are to support self-employed people during difficult periods. There is also a maternity benefit scheme, the ZEZ.

3. Arrange for a temporary replacement

Do you have staff or ongoing assignments? Make sure someone takes over your tasks temporarily. For example, a business manager or a trusted fellow entrepreneur. If necessary, give power of attorney to someone for important matters such as contracts and payments.

4. Adjust your work schedule

Take on fewer or no assignments or reorganise your work. If you can manage this financially, it will give you room to recover or redefine your goals. Do not forget to file your VAT returns as long as you are still registered.

5. Stop doing business

You decide that stopping is the best solution for you after all. Use the Checklist for closing a business and go step by step through what you need to arrange before you can deregister. If you become unemployed as a self-employed professional, you are usually not entitled to unemployment benefits. But there are exceptions.
> Self-employed professionals and entitlement to unemployment benefits | UWV
> Checklist for closing your business
 

How do you make a choice?

Many people who are temporarily or permanently unable to work wonder what they should do. By taking a good look at your situation, you can make a choice.

• Be honest about what you can handle. How much can you realistically still work?
• Check whether you are eligible for benefits.
• See how long you can manage with your financial safety net.
• Talk to someone you trust or a professional, such as your family doctor.