Self-employed must remain flexible with mandatory disability insurance

On Tuesday, June 11, outgoing Minister Van Gennip (SZW) put the Basic Disability Insurance Act for the Self-employed (BAZ) online for consultation, so everyone can give their opinion on the bill. HeadFirst Group supports the idea of a disability insurance (AOV) for all self-employed people, but stresses that choices are very important in this.

The mandatory AOV for the self-employed is going to cost a maximum of 195 euros per month and offers a benefit of 70% of earnings before disability, up to a maximum of the minimum wage. This benefit continues until the state pension age. The law also offers the possibility of an opt-out, allowing the self-employed to choose to insure themselves privately, as long as that insurance meets a few minimum conditions.

Opt-out option in bill
HeadFirst Group is pleased that the bill offers this option. In previous conversations with stakeholders and in our communications, we have emphasized that self-employed people really appreciate this opt-out. Mandatory AOV is important to protect vulnerable self-employed workers and offer them security. At the same time, we should not forget the diversity of the self-employed population, with their diverse assignments, motivations and rates.

It is good to see that outgoing Minister Van Gennip and her policy staff have taken this into account. We hope that the new Minister of SZW and his team will continue in the same way. We also want to emphasize that the desire for an opt-out option among the self-employed comes from the fact that more and more self-employed (41%, ZEA 2023) have, on their own initiative, built up or invested a financial reserve for their old age. This shows that the self-employed are aware of the balance between autonomy and responsibility: they value freedom and flexibility, but also know that they need to think ahead financially.

Anyone can comment on the bill until July 23, 2024. After that, all reactions will be analyzed and adjustments will be made where necessary. The bill will then go to the Council of State and then to the House of Representatives.