Benefits for older and partially disabled self-employed persons (IOAZ)

What is it?

If you are considering ceasing your self-employment because your business is not generating sufficient income, you may be eligible for IOAZ benefits. You will receive these benefits under the Income Provision for Older and Partially Disabled Former Self-Employed Persons Act (IOAZ).

How does it work?

You can receive IOAZ benefits if you meet certain conditions:

  • You have stopped or must stop working as a self-employed person.
  • You are between 55 years of age and retirement age.
  • You do not have sufficient income to live on.
  • You have worked as a self-employed person for at least 10 years. Or you have worked as a self-employed person for 3 years and were previously employed for 7 years.
  • You have worked 1,225 hours or more per year as a self-employed person. Did your partner also work in the business? Then you must have worked at least 875 hours per year in the business and your partner at least 525 hours.
  • The profit from your business, together with any other income, was less than €23,938 gross on average per year over the last three years.
  • In the future, your company will not be able to earn more than €25,433 gross per year. The municipality will investigate this.

What if I am partially incapacitated for work?

Are you partially disabled and have you stopped working as a self-employed person? Then you can apply for an IOAZ benefit if you meet the following conditions:

  • You have been assessed as less than 80% disabled.
  • You already received an IOAZ benefit on December 28, 2005.
  • You are not entitled to a supplement under the Supplementary Benefits Act (because you have a partner who was born after December 31, 1971).
  • You do not have a child younger than 12 years old.
  • You have worked for the company for at least a certain number of hours and the company's income is not too high (see the conditions in the first list).

What should I do?

You apply for an IOAZ benefit at Werkzaak Rivierenland. You must do this before you cease trading. Once the IOAZ entitlement has been granted, your business must be wound up within a maximum of 1.5 years. The benefit is paid monthly (in arrears).

Additional information

Information and advice

For information, advice, and support, please contact VraagWijzer West Maas en Waal.

Apply for assistance

You can apply for assistance at Werkzaak Rivierenland.

You can reach Werkzaak Rivierenland by calling 088 9375 000, Monday through Friday between 9:00 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. Please send mail to PO Box 321, 4190 CH Geldermalsen, or email info@werkzaakrivierenland.nl.

How can I get help with money problems?

Many people feel guilty or ashamed when they cannot pay their bills (on time) or are in debt. But did you know that this is much more common than you might think? Anyone can find themselves in financial difficulty. Setbacks such as unemployment, illness, or divorce can cause people to get into trouble.

Are you worried about your financial situation? Having trouble paying all your bills on time? The first step is to seek help. For example, you can contact the organization that sent you the bill. Perhaps you can arrange a payment plan.

For information and questions about financial matters and debts, please contact VraagWijzer West Maas en Waal. For help with managing your finances, you can also contact the Sociom welfare organization.

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