Welfare benefit for self-employed persons (Bbz 2004)

If you are a self-employed entrepreneur with temporary financial problems or if you want to start as a self-employed entrepreneur, you can receive benefits and support. Within the framework of the Bbz 2004, you can receive a benefit that supplements the (family) income up to the social assistance level, or receive business capital.

More information about the Bbz 2004 can be found on the website of the national government.

How does it work?

You can apply for benefits via BZF.

Conditions

You can apply for a provision from the Bbz if you meet certain conditions:

  • you have been working as a self-employed person for a reasonable period (established entrepreneur), or
  • You want to start as a self-employed person from an unemployment situation, or
  • you are a self-employed person born before January 1, 1960, with a non-viable business, or
  • You want to terminate your company in the short term (within 12 months), or
  • You receive social assistance benefits under the Participation Act and you want to prepare for self-employment for a maximum period of 12 months.

Self-employed entrepreneur

You are self-employed if:

  • for providing for your livelihood you are dependent on your own company or profession;
  • meets the legal requirements for its practice;
  • meets the hours criterion, as referred to in Article 3.6 of the Income Tax Act 2001;
  • has full control of the company or independent profession, alone or with others, and bears the financial risks thereof.

Obligation to provide information

Under the Bbz 2004 (Self-Employment Assistance Decree), you – and your partner if applicable – have a duty to provide information. This includes the following:

  • you must, upon request or as soon as possible on your own initiative, report everything that may affect the right to benefits under the Bbz 2004.

If you do not comply with your obligation to provide information, or do so insufficiently, the Bureau Zelfstandigen Fryslân (Agency for the Self-Employed in Friesland) must revise or withdraw your right to benefits. This may mean that assistance will be reclaimed. In addition, it will be assessed whether a fine should be imposed.