Minister for the Self-Employed and SMEs Eléonore SIMONET has published a circular providing payment facilities for social security contributions for self-employed workers affected by the fires in the Fagnes.
Eléonore SIMONET: “These measures aim to ease the cash flow of self-employed workers affected by the terrible fires hitting the High Fens.”
Here are the details:
Deferral of contribution payments
First, the Minister has instructed, via INASTI, the social insurance funds to grant a deferral of up to one year for the payment of the provisional contribution for the 3rd quarter of 2026 for self-employed workers who suffered damage as a result of the forest fire in the High Fens in August 2026. Those affected can postpone payment of this contribution by one year (30 September 2027).
The self-employed worker must submit a written request to their social insurance fund before 15 September 2026.
The Minister points out that these measures will have no impact whatsoever on the social security rights of those concerned. This means that the right to benefits of those affected will not be negatively affected by the measure.
Reduction of provisional contributions
It is also planned that the funds will remind their members that, under certain conditions, they have the option of requesting a reduction in provisional social security contributions.
Exemption from contributions
Self-employed workers can also submit a simplified request for exemption from contributions to their social insurance fund for the provisional contribution for the 3rd quarter of 2026.
Please note, however, that exempted quarters will not count towards building up pension rights (but can be regularised within 5 years to maintain these rights).
Bridging right
Finally, SMEs forced to suspend their activity can also, under certain conditions, make use of the bridging right.
As a reminder, the bridging right provides, during the period of interruption, for a financial payment and the maintenance of certain social rights, such as reimbursement of healthcare costs, incapacity, invalidity and maternity benefits, without having to pay social security contributions.
The Minister is of course closely monitoring the situation of self-employed workers and SMEs in the affected region.