We are gradually returning to normal life: we are seeing more people again, mouth masks can be dispensed with (or at least almost) and the economy is gradually recovering. But because this recovery is not happening at the same pace in all sectors, the government has decided to extend the package of federal support measures for the last time, until the end of the year. At the Flemish level, however, most of the support measures remain within their original deadlines. Here we would like to give you an overview of the (main) support measures that are still running.
Social
Temporary unemployment: The relaxed temporary unemployment due to corona force majeure was extended until the end of December, for all employers, in all sectors.
Transfer Rights: That an extension of the corona transfer rights is on the cards until December 2021 is certain, but the terms under which the extension is to be organized have not yet been finalized.
For now, the picture looks like this:
- The bridging right due to quarantine is not changed;
- The (double) bridging right due to mandatory closure or dependence on a mandatory closed sector disappears;
- The bridging right due to decrease in turnover continues to exist, but under stricter conditions: for example, a decrease in turnover of 65% must be demonstrated (up to and including September this was still 40%).
As an aside, it is still possible to apply for bridging rights for the already expired months of 2021, but keep a strict eye on the deadlines!
Monthly payment | Application Deadline |
January 2021 | 30/09/2021 |
February 2021 | 30/09/2021 |
March 2021 | 30/09/2021 |
April 2021 | 31/12/2021 |
May 2021 | 31/12/2021 |
June 2021 | 31/12/2021 |
July 2021 | 31/03/2022 |
August 2021 | 31/03/2022 |
September 2021 | 31/03/2022 |
Financial
Subordinated loan PMV: To be applied for no later than October 15, 2021.
Guarantee scheme for SME loans of more than 1 year to a maximum of 5 years: To be applied for no later than December 31, 2021.
Winwin Loan: The increase in the one-time tax credit (40%) applies only to Winwin loans closed after March 15, 2020 through December 31, 2021.
Sport Necessity Loan: Submit until December 31, 2022.
Fiscal benefit rent waiver: The tax benefit is limited to the months of June, July, August and September 2021. It is required that the company had at least one day of mandatory closing in the month for which the rent is voluntarily waived. The rent waiver agreement must be forwarded to the administration no later than 15/11/2021.
Grants
Flemish Protection Mechanism 10: For a limited group of businesses still impacted by the corona measures (party halls, discotheques, hotels, caterers, rental companies...) the Flemish government extends the Flemish protection mechanism until the end of September 2021. The principles remain largely the same: the entrepreneur must demonstrate a loss of turnover of 60% and can then receive 10% of normal turnover as protection. The support can be applied for from October 15 but only after the submission of the VAT return for the third quarter of 2021.
If you want to know more about what exactly the above support measures entail and/or how to apply, consult our overview here: