The government has taken several measures to make sure that The Netherlands will survive this Corona crisis in the best possible way. One of the measures that has been taken specifically for entrepreneurs, is the temporary bridging settlement for entrepreneurs (TOZO). Now what is this settlement exactly and how can you apply for it?

The BBZ

Normally, entrepreneurs that are in temporary financial trouble, can apply for the Bbz (Welfare for entrepreneurs). Entrepreneurs that have started their business coming out of welfare, can also apply for the Bbz.

TOZO

The TOZO has been invoked especially for the Corona crisis. This settlement has been based on the current Bbz, but the conditions to be eligible for this arrangement are more flexible than the regular Bbz.

What's the amount of the welfare?

This welfare will supplement your income until the social minimum. For singles this amount is approx. € 1.000 and for couples that live together it’s approx. € 1.500. It is a supplement to your income, so if your income has decreased to € 500 due to the Corona crisis, the supplement you will receive as a single is € 500.

What are the conditions?

Naast dat jouw inkomen moet zijn teruggevallen tot onder het sociaal minimum moet je aan de volgende voorwaarden voldoen:

Besides the fact that your income must have decreased below the social minimum, you have to fulfil the following conditions:

• You have to be an entrepreneur;
• You have to live in The Netherlands;
• You are registered at the Kamer van Koophandel;
• You have to be in possession of the permits that are obligatory for your company;
• You fulfil the condition of the hour criteria of 1225 hours;
• Your business has been set up before the 1st of January 2020.

The managing director and majority shareholder (DMS)

At the moment, there is uncertainty about whether a dms can also make use of the TOZO. Trade organisations asked questions about this at the Ministry of Social Services and Employment. In the regular Bbz (welfare for freelancers) dms’s that own more than 51% of the shares can make use of ‘bijzondere bijstand’ (special welfare). Because the TOZO is a more flexible version of the Bbz, it is likely that a dms that fulfils the requirements, will also be taken into consideration for this arrangement.

Whats the difference between BBZ and TOZO

As we have stated, the conditions for the TOZO are more flexible. The reason for this is, is that the evaluation can be done more quickly than the regular Bbz. Instead of getting an answer after 13 weeks, you will now get an answer after 4 weeks. Besides, they will not look at private assets and/or the income of your partner. Also, there will not be a viability test for your business.

How long can I use the TOZO?

This settlement is valid with retroactivity from the 1st of march and for now it has been stated that it will last until the 1st of June. It is expected that the settlement will be extended with an additional three months if necessary.

I nee money now!

In this case you don’t have to wait for the evaluation from your municipality, but they can give you an advance. You should clarify this on your application, in case you need an advance.

How do I apply?

You can do this at the municipality where you live. On your municipality’s website you can apply by using your DigiD.

What do I need to hand in?

• Your registration at the Kamer van Koophandel;
• A copy of your passport;
• An expectation of your income in the next period;
• Information about your personal situation (partner, kids, living situation);Banknotes;
• The annual account of the past year/the past 3 years*;
• The income tax return of the past year/the past 3 years.*

*In Amsterdam (among others) they will ask for the past 3 years in the web module, in case this information isn’t available yet, you can also provide this later, so that you can still apply right now.

Do I have to pay it back?

No, the TOZO is an offering and not a loan.