Municipalities are making efforts to help Tozo entrepreneurs who are out of work: Preventing social assistance applications during the coronavirus crisis

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The municipalities of Son en Breugel, Best, Oirschot, and Nuenen, together with social work company WSD and Dienst Dommelvallei, have developed an approach for independent entrepreneurs who have lost their jobs or are working fewer hours due to the coronavirus crisis. The aim is to support these entrepreneurs in continuing their businesses or to help them find salaried employment, so that they do not end up on welfare.

Self-employed entrepreneurs who have encountered financial difficulties were eligible for the Tozo scheme (Temporary Bridging Measure for Self-Employed Entrepreneurs).  Since June, a second Tozo scheme has been open for the period up to October. When this scheme ends, entrepreneurs who still have insufficient income at the end of the scheme may be eligible for municipal social assistance.

Staying at work

Alderman van Liempd of Son en Breugel, speaking on behalf of the four municipalities: “Of course, we want people to stay in work and prevent them from ending up on welfare as a result of this coronavirus crisis. That is why I am proud that, together with our neighboring municipalities, Dienst Dommelvallei, and WSD, we have quickly developed this approach, which offers customized solutions for entrepreneurs in need. This is a unique achievement because, especially at this time, our municipal services are under enormous pressure due to the many applications for income support."

Personal guidance

Municipal employees will discuss the future with the affected entrepreneurs. Together, they will determine what support is needed. With this customized solution, municipalities hope to prevent an increase in the number of social assistance applications. Entrepreneurs can apply for the new Tozo scheme via the websites of the participating municipalities. They will then automatically receive an invitation for an interview.