Oh no, you’ve been laid off or you resigned. This period is never easy, especially if you also have a secondary self-employed activity, as you’ve now lost your main job.
Many questions can arise when you lose your main job: what happens to your unemployment benefits? Can you continue your secondary activity? And what are the rules? We’re here to help!
What if, as a self-employed in a secondary activity, you lose your main job?
When you lose your main job, your status automatically changes: you become a self-employed in primary occupation. In principle, you then no longer have a right to unemployment benefits. You now face an important decision: what will you do with your sole proprietorship? There are three possible options:
1. Fully focus on your self-employed activity 💸
Are you already earning enough with your secondary activity? This may be the perfect moment to go all-in. You might now have more time to expand your business, gain clients, and further develop your company.
2. Combine your secondary activity with benefits 🚀
If your income is not sufficient yet, the “springboard to self-employment” scheme can be helpful. It allows you to temporarily combine your secondary activity with unemployment benefits.
Important: this scheme is only beneficial if you are not yet making too much profit from your business. The income (profit) from your self-employed activity must not exceed €5,528.64 per year (from 01/02/2025). Any amount above this limit will be deducted from your benefits.
3. Stop your secondary activity ✋🏾
If you want to fully rely on unemployment benefits, you can consider stopping your secondary activity. Conditions are:
- If you stop your self-employed activity within six months, you will not be entitled to benefits during that period.
- You must have been self-employed for at least six months (maximum 15 years).
- You only receive unemployment benefits if you can prove that your former employer is not willing to rehire you.
Key points to remember
- Always declare your secondary activity on time
When applying for benefits, your secondary activity must be clearly indicated on the correct forms (such as C1 and C1A). Failure to do so may result in loss of rights or repayment of benefits. - Check which activities are allowed
Some activities are excluded during unemployment, unless they are minor. For example, jobs in hospitality or construction. Always consult your unemployment office. - Keep your administration in order
Even while unemployed, you must maintain proper accounting and VAT records if you continue your secondary activity. Using a clear tool designed for sole proprietors can make this easier.
In short
Losing your job is never easy, especially if you also have a secondary activity. Fortunately, in Belgium there are clear options: fully focus on your self-employed activity, combine your secondary activity with unemployment benefits via the springboard to self-employment, or stop your secondary activity to rely fully on benefits.
The key is to always declare your secondary activity on time, check which activities are allowed, and keep your administration in order. This helps you stay in control, avoid issues with the unemployment office, and navigate this period in an organized way while safeguarding the future of your self-employed activity.