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.

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.