The Law on Work and Benefits (WWB) is aimed at finding work and the safety-net of Social Security. If you are unable to support yourself through work or an allowance, you receive assistance in finding work. As long as you are unsuccessful in finding work, you can apply for WWB provided you are a lawful resident in the Netherlands. The allowance is paid by the Social Security department, where you can also submit your application.

To be eligible for WWB you must satisfy the following conditions:

• Your income must be below the social security level applicable in your case.
• Your personal savings must not be more than € 5,795 (in 2013) for a single person, or € 11,590 (in 2013) for married or single parents. If you own your home, € 48,900 of the value is exempt (in 2013).
• You must accept suitable work, apply for work and collaborate in taking the necessary training. You can apply for an allowance to the UWV WERKbedrijf.

Modest Scale scheme for self-employed entrepreneurs
Some local authorities, including the Work and Income Service (DWI) of the Amsterdam local authority, apply a Modest Scale scheme. You are eligible for this if you are your own boss on a part-time basis and this activity does not generate enough income. In that case your income is topped up with a WWB allowance until you are able to be independent.

Allowance for self-employed and artists
If you are self-employed and run into temporary financial problems, you may be eligible for assistance via the Decree on Assistance to Self-Employed scheme (BBZ).
voldoen:

Your income must be below the social security level that applies in your case:

• The exempt capital may not be more than € 5.685,00 (2012) for a single person, or € 11.370,00 (2012) for married or single parents. The exemption for an owner-occupied home is € 48.000,00 (2012).
• You are obliged to accept suitable work, apply for jobs, and cooperate with following any necessary training. You apply for social security to the UWV WERKbedrijf.

Modest Scale scheme for self-employed entrepreneurs
Some local authorities, including the Work and Income Department (DWI) of the Amsterdam local authority, apply a Modest Scale scheme. You are eligible for this scheme if you do not generate enough income as a part-time self-employed person. In that case your income is supplemented with a social security (WWB) allowance until you are able to stand on your own feet.

Starting up while in receipt of unemployment benefit
Are you starting up as a self-employed person on or after the day on which your unemployment benefit takes effect? In that case, with the approval of your work coach you can take advantage of the start-up scheme that applies from 1 January 2013. You will then receive unemployment benefit minus 29% for a fixed period of 26 weeks. During this start-up period you can do everything necessary for your own enterprise: take on and carry out assignments, fit out a business premises, or open a shop.

Social security allowance for self-employed persons and artists
If you are self-employed and temporarily run into financial problems, you may be eligible to apply for a loan or benefit under the BBZ (financial support for the self-employed) scheme.

see also: