What to do if you are unable to work for a time: stop or continue?

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?

> Yes, this reflects my situation 

> No, this is not my situation

What options do you have?

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.

> All you need to know about disability insurance (AOV)
> How does a donation circle work?

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 the BBZ or IOAZ. These benefits are to support self-employed people during difficult periods. There is also a maternity benefit scheme, the ZEZ.

> Check whether you are eligible for the BBZ or IOAZ (in Dutch)
> More info about the ZEZ (in Dutch)
 

3. Arrange for a temporary replacement

Do you have staff or ongoing assignments? Make sure someone takes over your tasks temporarily. For example, you can give a trusted power of attorney. With a power of attorney, you authorise a person to take decisions on important matters, such as contracts and payments.

4. Adjust your work schedule

Are you unable to run your business for a while? If so, take on fewer or no assignments. If you have sufficient income, savings or financial support, you can use this period to recover or to decide on your future plans. Do not forget to continue filing VAT returns as long as you remain 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.