Benefits for self-employed professionals

Am I entitled to unemployment benefit as a freelancer?

As a self-employed professional without staff (freelancer, zzp'er), you may in some cases be eligible for unemployment benefits (Werkloosheidswet, WW). There are exceptions where you, as a freelancer may be entitled to unemployment benefits (in Dutch):

• You are self-employed and also work as an employee. Are you losing your job as an employee? Then you may be entitled to unemployment benefit for the hours you worked as an employee. Read about the conditions you must meet (in Dutch).
• You previously received unemployment benefits and stop workig as a freelancer. Were you already receiving unemployment benefits before you became self-employed? And do you stopworking as a freelancer completely? If so, you may be able to receive your old unemployment benefits again. Read more about reviving unemployment benefits (in Dutch).
• You were previously employed before you started as a freelancer. You were dismissed or resigned because you started your own business. And you are unable to make your business successful.

You can also start your own business while temporarily retaining your unemployment benefit.

Temporary social assistance for zzp'ers with financial difficulties

Are you experiencing temporary financial difficulties? Or would you like to start a business while receiving benefits? If so, you may be eligible for support from your municipality under the Financial support for self-employed professionals (Bbz). For example, a loan or a supplement to your income. You can apply for Bbz benefits from your municipality.

Maternity and childbirth benefits for self-employed persons

You are entitled to an allowance during pregnancy or after childbirth under the Maternity Benefit Scheme for the Self-Employed (Zelfstandig en Zwangerregeling, ZEZ). You apply for this benefit at the Employee Insurance Agency (Uitvoeringsinstituut Werknemersverzekeringen, UWV)

Benefit for older self-employed persons

Are you considering stopping as a sfreelancer because you have too little income from your business? And are you between 55 and the state pension age? Then you may be eligible for an IOAZ benefit.

The IOAZ benefit supplements your income and that of your partner, if applicable, up to the social minimum. You must apply for this benefit before you end your business. After applying, you must end your business within 1.5 years.

You can apply for an IOAZ benefit at the municipality where you live.

Were you born before 1 January 1960 and do you have a non-viable business? Then you may also be able to apply for a benefit under the Financial support for self-employed professionals (Bbz). You can apply for the benefit or business capital at your municipality.

Entitlement to benefits

As an entrepreneur, you are also entitled to benefits. These supplement your income. Check what you are entitled to and apply for your benefits in good time.