Netherlands to End Dedicated Financial Support for Older Entrepreneurs by 2028
The Hague, Friday 5 June 2026
From January 2028, the Netherlands will close its dedicated financial safety net for older self-employed entrepreneurs. Existing claimants are protected, but future applicants must rely on standard welfare.
Navigating the Digital Transition Without a Net
On the 4th of June 2026, the Dutch government confirmed that the IOAZ—formally known as the Wet Inkomensvoorziening oudere en gedeeltelijk arbeidsongeschikte gewezen zelfstandigen—will permanently close to new applicants on the 1st of January 2028 [1][2]. Rooted in decisions finalised during the 2025 Spring Memorandum, this legislative adjustment will gradually phase out the law by halting new inflow [1][2]. The scheme currently acts as a financial buffer, supplementing the income of self-employed individuals aged 55 and over up to the social minimum if they are forced to cease their operations [1].
Streamlining Social Security
The cessation of the IOAZ scheme is part of a broader governmental strategy to simplify the national social security framework [1]. Policymakers are actively moving away from highly specific, target-group-oriented welfare regulations in favour of a more universal approach [1]. This aligns with current cabinet policies designed to encourage citizens to remain active and healthy in the workforce for longer periods [1]. Consequently, in exactly 2 years, older entrepreneurs who must shutter their enterprises will be redirected towards standard social assistance, known locally as bijstand [1].
Legislative Timeline and Public Consultation
The draft legislation required to execute this closure is currently open for public review [1]. Stakeholders, industry advocates, and citizens have until Friday, the 3rd of July 2026, to submit their responses via the designated internet consultation portal [1]. As the consultation period progresses, it remains to be seen whether advocacy groups for older entrepreneurs will push back against the removal of this safety net [alert! ‘Public reaction to the consultation is currently unknown and developing’].