Flooding support measures for entrepreneurs

Government reimbursement scheme

On 15 July 2021, the government declared the floods in Limburg and surroundings an official national disaster. This means that citizens, institutions, and businesses can apply for compensation under the Reimbursement for damages due to disasters Act (in Dutch Wet Tegemoetkoming Schade bij rampen, Wts). Wts can cover damages (in Dutch) that were unavoidable, could not be insured, and for which you have no other way of claiming compensation. The reimbursement can be granted for expenses made due to:

• preventative measures taken to limit material damage;
• material damage as a direct consequence of the floods.

The Netherlands Enterprise Agency (RVO) will be handling the Wts reimbursement scheme. Check this article for details on how to report damages through the RVO claims form.

Temporary Emergency Bridging Measure for Sustained Employment (NOW)

The Temporary Emergency Bridging Measure for Sustained Employment (Tijdelijke Noodmaatregel Overbrugging voor Werkbehoud, NOW) was made available due to the corona crisis. Starting 26 July 2021, employers who expect at least a 20% loss of turnover (compared to a 3-month period in 2019) due to the Limburg floods can apply for NOW at the Employment Insurance Agency (Uitvoeringsinstituut Werknemersverzekeringen, UWV). This wage support is meant to help you continue to pay your staff. You can apply for the scheme until 30 September, with retroactive effect from 1 July 2021.

Reimbursement Fixed Costs (TVL)

The Reimbursement of Fixed Costs (Tegemoetkoming Vaste Lasten, TVL) scheme for the 3rd quarter of this year will open on 31 August. Even though the TVL was created in light of the corona crisis, entrepreneurs who have been affected by the Limburg floods and fulfil the conditions for the TVL can now apply for compensation of their fixed business expenses in that period. Applications and handling of the scheme go through the Netherlands Enterprise Agency (RVO).

Damage to crops

Farmers, arable farmers, and growers may face crop damage as a result of the heavy rainfall and floods, resulting in financial loss. Therefore, the Ministry of Agriculture, Nature, and Food Quality is looking into the possibility of reopening the 80% advance payment scheme for the Common Agriculture Policy income support, so you can access these funds a few months earlier.

Support through your municipality

Your municipality might also be able to provide support through the Temporary support for essential costs (TONK) and the Participation Act. Inquire with your municipality to discover what other measures they might provide.