Benefit for Older Self-Employed Persons with Partial Work Disability (IOAZ)

What is it?

If you are considering giving up self-employment because your business does not generate enough income, you may be eligible for an IOAZ benefit. You will receive this benefit under the Income Support Act for Older and Partially Disabled Former Self-Employed Persons (IOAZ).

How does it work?

You can receive IOAZ benefits if you meet certain Requirements:

  • You have stopped working as a self-employed person or need to stop.
  • You are between the ages of 55 and retirement age.
  • You do not have enough 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, prior to that, worked as an employee for 7 years.
  • You worked 1,225 hours or more per year as a self-employed person. Did your partner also work in the business? If so, you must have worked at least 875 hours per year in the business, and your partner must have worked at least 525 hours.
  • Over the past three years, your business income, combined with any other income, averaged less than €23,938 gross per year.
  • In the future, your business will not be able to earn more than €25,433 gross per year. The municipality is looking into this.

What if I am partially unable to work?

Are you partially unable to work and have you stopped working as a self-employed person? If so, you can apply for an IOAZ benefit if you meet these Requirements:

  • You have been deemed less than 80% disabled.
  • You were already receiving IOAZ benefits on December 28, 2005.
  • You are not eligible for a supplement under the Supplementary Benefits Act (because your partner was born after December 31, 1971).
  • You do not have a child under the age of 12.
  • 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 Requirements the first list).

What should I do?

You must apply for IOAZ benefits through Werkzaak Rivierenland. You must do this before you close your business. Once your IOAZ benefits have been approved, your business must be closed within a maximum of 1.5 years. Benefits are paid monthly (in arrears).

Additional information

Information and advice

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

Apply for welfare assistance

You can apply for social assistance at Werkzaak Rivierenland.

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

How can I get help with financial problems?

Many people feel guilty or ashamed when they can’t pay their bills (on time) or are in debt. But did you know that this happens much more often than you might think? Anyone can find themselves in financial trouble. Setbacks such as unemployment, illness, or divorce can put people in a difficult situation.

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. You may be able to work out a payment plan.

For information and questions about finances and debts, you can contact VraagWijzer West Maas en Waal. For help with managing your finances, you can also contact Welfare Organization Sociom.

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