Returning to employment following an acquired brain injury (ABI) presents unique challenges. This resource provides tailored information for you and your support system, focusing specifically on self-employment.
The content is categorised into two sections:
πClick on the relevant section to access information that meets your specific needs.
π‘Please note: The website contains comprehensive information, and not all details may be immediately relevant to your situation. Feel free to revisit for additional insights when needed.
As a self-employed individual, you do not have access to the employment doctor.
π€However, you can engage in discussions regarding your responsibilities and work environment with:
π°Support: Self-employed individuals (in primary and secondary occupations) are eligible to apply for employment support measures such as the Flemish Support Premium and adjustment labour posts.
βοΈLegislation: As of July 2023, the Flemish Support Premium has been replaced by Individual Customization (IMW), which remains available for self-employed individuals.
πIf you are self-employed and have a recognized disability, there are various options available to you.
π€Collaborate with your treating doctor or healthcare team to assess the feasibility of returning to work. If this seems challenging, explore alternative options together:
βοΈ Legislation: Starting in 2023, you can embark on a 'back to work pathway' facilitated by your health insurance fund.
π‘Tip: Visit your health insurance fund's website and reach out to address any queries you may have.
π‘These suggestions can aid in preparing for your return to work:
The advisory physician of the health insurance fund has several tasks: checking, informing and advising.
βοΈLegislation: As of January 2023, a back-to-work (TNW) programme is available for self-employed individuals.
π€Collaboration: Throughout the TNW programme, there is close collaboration among you, your treatment doctor or team, the TNW coordinator, and the advisory doctor from the health insurance fund. To initiate a TNW pathway, recognition of incapacity for work is necessary, along with sufficient physical and psychological capabilities (residual capacities) to facilitate a return to work.
π‘Tip: Visit your health insurance fund's website and engage with the return-to-work coordinator to address any inquiries you may have.
Yes.
π§Challenge: Returning to the workforce following a brain injury, characterised by unseen impacts, typically involves a multifaceted journey.
πͺOpportunity: Seeking specialized assistance can aid you in navigating the job search process effectively.
πThere are various methods to end an employment contract with your staff:
Your employees have the right to outplacement services.
Outplacement support entails a specialised service provider assisting employees who have been terminated or resigned in swiftly securing a new job or initiating self-employment. This approach provides your employees with ample opportunities to explore new directions and embrace fresh challenges.
Yes, this can be facilitated through the system of gradually resuming part-time work via authorized activities.
πThere are several options available:
Before re-entering the workforce, it is essential to consult with the advisory doctor from your health insurance fund.
This professional determines the duration of authorisation for partial work resumption and assesses the tasks permissible during your incapacity period. An important consideration is whether full-time employment is feasible after the authorised work period (progressive employment).
π‘Tip: Reach out to a representative from your health insurance fund to discuss the financial implications of resuming part-time work.
π°Benefit: Here are the guidelines:
Upon receiving a favourable assessment from the advisory doctor at the health insurance fund, you can gradually reintegrate into your self-employed activities.
π°Benefit: The adjustment to your incapacity benefit is as follows:
A form is available for reporting this professional income to your health insurance fund.
π€Collaboration: Connect with your health insurance fund to determine if your benefit will be adjusted or suspended.
π‘Tip: Minimal or no tax deductions are typically applied to your benefits. This can impact your tax obligations. The accumulation of professional income and (disability) benefits during part-time work resumption may influence how your taxes are calculated.
Yes.
π°Benefit: With this supplementary insurance, you will receive extra compensation in addition to the disability benefit provided by your health insurance fund.
If you intend to partially return to work, it is essential to inform the guaranteed income insurance as well.
Depending on the terms of the policy, the additional replacement income may be diminished or forfeited.
Yes.
π°Benefit: If you experience challenges in the workplace due to a brain injury, such as a reduced work pace or the ability to work fewer hours per day, you can initiate an application for employment support measures.
βοΈLegislation: Starting from July 2023, the Flemish Support Premium will be replaced with individually tailored support. This new measure will continue to be applicable for self-employed individuals as well.
If you are self-employed in your primary occupation:
π§Challenge: Certain self-employed roles involve peak workloads (e.g., hospitality or agriculture), often leading to longer and less structured workdays. Monitoring boundaries can be challenging for individuals with a brain injury, especially as a self-employed person who sets their own schedule. Additionally, maintaining task quality may be challenging without external oversight.
πͺOpportunity: Planning activities consciously may be easier as a self-employed individual.
You could opt for limited daily working hours, experience less pressure from colleagues, focus on tasks within your expertise, and choose optimal working times. Having support in this process can be beneficial.
π€Collaboration:
πͺOpportunity: Gradually increasing your workload capacity is advisable. Therefore, it is recommended not to engage in both activities simultaneously.
π‘Tip: Consider starting with volunteering to gauge your capabilities and stamina better. This experience can help you assess what remains achievable for you.
It is crucial to consider these aspects in advance before resuming your self-employed activities.
π§Challenge: Each brain injury is unique and can manifest differently in the workplace. Y
πͺOpportunity: However, you can communicate factors that may impact your ability to fulfill specific roles or responsibilities.
π‘Tip: Practice discussing your situation verbally with a member of your treatment team or work mediator beforehand. Collaborating with a therapist to draft an email can also be beneficial. Repeating your story multiple times can help you find a communication approach that feels comfortable and authentic.
Yes, you can.
π°Benefit: You can also access support for this through socio-professional rehabilitation or vocational guidance.
π€Collaboration: As a self-employed individual, schedule a meeting with the advisory doctor recommended by your health insurance provider.
As a self-employed individual, it is essential to accurately report your disability to the health insurance fund.
π° Benefits: Subsequently, the health insurance fund will assess your eligibility for benefits and verify if the necessary criteria have been met.To qualify for disability benefits, you must cease all self-employed activities due to health reasons.
Upon approval by the health insurance fund's advising doctor, you may participate in a socio-professional rehabilitation or reorientation program as a self-employed individual. This opportunity allows you, under specific conditions, to undergo training aimed at acquiring new skills and facilitating your return to work.