Unemployment Protection for Self-Employed in Belgium

Belgium has implemented various mechanisms to provide unemployment protection for self-employed individuals, including the Bridging Right Scheme and Crisis Bridging Right. Recent reforms aim to address low take-up rates and complex eligibility conditions, offering more flexible rules. The Bridging Right Scheme allows self-employed individuals to access benefits in cases of involuntary cessation due to circumstances beyond their control or economic difficulties. The Crisis Bridging Right provides a framework to address future crises affecting society on different levels.

• Belgium
• Self-Employed
• Unemployment Protection
• Bridging Right Scheme
• Crisis Bridging Right

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1. Unemployment protection for the self- employed - Belgium Prof. dr. E. De Becker

2. Start of the story Traditionally not covered unemployment Bismarckian tradition self-employment and employment Bridging right Gradual steps 1990s Several extensions and reforms Coverage in case of unemployment? Recent reforms 2022 - 2023 2

3. Different protection mechanisms 3 types of unemployment protection Return to employee scheme Bridging right scheme Crisis bridging right scheme 3

4. Bridging right scheme Reasons for the recent reform? Low take up rates Complex eligibility conditions Different rules different grounds Combination self-employment with bridging right benefit 4

5. Bridging right scheme Not covered: self-employed persons with a side activity Minimum period of insurance 4 16 quarters + paid social security contributions Two possible routes of access 1. Interruption / cessation in case of circumstances beyond one s control 2. Cessation due to economic difficulties Several grounds defined in a Royal Decree 5

6. Bridging right scheme More flexible rules Duration Combination with income / other social security benefit But: cessation/interruption of 7 consecutive days 6

7. Crisis bridging right To tackle future crises Framework that can be activated if needed Event(s) that are not limited to one sector and supersede the national context Event(s) affecting society in several aspects on a national, regional or local level 7

8. Crisis bridging right Royal decree Precise reasons, territorial or sectoral demarcation, the specific groups of the self-employed The specific situation: cessation activity, interruption, etc. Proof by the applicant Duration (3 m. max, but renewal possible) 8

9. Want to know more? E. De Becker and C. Bruynseraede, Unemployment protection for self-employed and platform workers in Belgium, European Journal of Social Security 2024 Special issue European Journal of Social Security on unemployment protection for self-employed and platform workers Thank you Eleni.de.becker@vub.be Link: https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/abs/10.1177/13882627 241232398 9