The bridging right during the corona crisis

I am required to close my business

When, as a self-employed person, you are required to close your business, you are entitled to the financial benefit paid pursuant to the bridging right (overbruggingsrecht), in this case for the months of March and April 2020. It does not matter if you have to close your business in full or in part. For example, self-employed persons who are only required to close their business at the weekend, are entitled to the full financial benefit.

I am not required to close my business

Even if, as a self-employed person, you are not required to close your business, you can still apply for the bridging loan. The condition for this is that, for at least seven consecutive calendar days, you had to fully discontinue your activity as a result of, for example, interrupted deliveries or a significant decline in the activity. A sworn statement is sufficient for this application. In the first instance, documentary evidence is not required, but may be requested at a later stage.

Who does this benefit apply to?

This benefit is only available to people who are self-employed as their primary occupation and for spouses who assist in the business, insofar as they do not receive a replacement income.

What form does the benefit take?

The benefit amounts to 1,291.69 Euros a month, or 1,614.10 Euros if the independent person supports others (children) under the Belgian national health insurance (this doesn't mean fiscally dependent on the independent person). For the time being, the benefit is being awarded for the months of March and April 2020.

How do I apply for the benefit?

The benefit is applied for using the 'bridging right information form'. The form is available on the website of your Social Insurance Fund. This information form can be submitted by email or by letter to the Social Insurance Fund.

If you have any questions about the foregoing, please contact us at corona@vdl.be or contact your account manager.