A few things moved this week that could eventually affect how you work, what you pay or how you access support in the Netherlands.
There is a new proposal for freelancers, confirmed dates for the next Energy Emergency Fund, and a government plan that could change how some mental-health care is reimbursed.
You do not need to change anything because of a headline. But if one of these applies to you, it is worth knowing what has actually changed and when you may need to act.
Freelancer? New tests for self-employment are being proposed
On 1 October, the Dutch government published a draft Zelfstandigenwet for public consultation.
The idea is to make it clearer when someone is genuinely working as a self-employed person and when a working relationship looks more like employment.
The proposal uses two main tests.
The first looks at you as a freelancer. Things such as invoicing yourself, being registered with the KVK, how many clients you have and whether you have arrangements in place to cover business risks can all matter.
The second looks at the actual assignment. Do you have enough freedom to organise the work yourself? Are you doing it at your own cost and risk?
One important point: this is not the law today.
The proposal is now open for public feedback up to and including 29 October 2026. The government currently aims for the new law to take effect in January 2028, if it passes the remaining steps.
If you work as a ZZP'er, or your organisation works with freelancers, there is no need to rewrite contracts today. But it may be useful to see how your current setup compares with the two proposed tests.
If the issue directly affects you, you can also respond to the consultation up to and including 29 October.
Official source: Rijksoverheid, 1 October 2026
Public consultation: Zelfstandigenwet
Struggling with energy costs? The next support fund now has dates
The government has confirmed the dates and conditions for the next Noodfonds Energie, the Energy Emergency Fund.
The fund is meant for households with a relatively low income and high energy costs.
There are two main groups:
- households with a gross income up to 130% of the social minimum, where energy costs are at least 8% of income
- households between 130% and 200% of the social minimum, where energy costs are at least 10% of income
Students can also qualify, and the scheme includes households using block heating, district heating and some other energy sources.
Support will range from €120 to €1,800, depending on the household's situation.
But there is an important date to remember:
You cannot apply yet.
From 1 December, you can contact the fund for information and help preparing an application. Applications themselves will run from 4 January to 7 May 2027.
If you want to hear when applications open, you can leave your email address on the Noodfonds Energie website now and you will get a notification when the fund opens.
So if you think you may qualify, now is a good time to check the conditions and save 4 January.
Official source: Rijksoverheid, 29 September 2026
Scheme information: Noodfonds Energie
Using non-contracted mental-health care? Reimbursement may change
On 2 October, the cabinet announced a new package of measures for mental health and the Dutch mental-health care system, or GGZ.
One of the plans is to end reimbursement for care from providers that do not have a contract with a health insurer.
That could become an important change, but it does not change your current care today.
The government's announcement does not give a date for when this change would take effect. It is part of a wider package that the cabinet still wants to test in practice.
So if you are currently receiving mental-health care, there is no reason to change your provider or treatment because of this announcement.
For now, this is simply something to keep an eye on. Once the rules, timing and insurance conditions become clearer, you can check whether they affect your situation.
Official source: Rijksoverheid, 2 October 2026
Also worth knowing: planned WW and WIA cuts are off the table for now
The government also said this week that previously announced cuts to WW unemployment benefits, WIA disability benefits and the allowance for people with an occupational disability are off the table for now.
The move is meant to make room for new talks with employers and employee representatives. The first meeting is planned for Wednesday 7 October.
Nothing has changed in current WW or WIA entitlements because of this announcement.
It is also too early to know what will come out of the new talks, so this is one to watch rather than something you need to act on now.
Official source: Rijksoverheid, 2 October 2026
What is worth doing this week?
Freelancing? Have a look at the proposed two-test model and see how your current setup compares.
Energy costs difficult to manage? Check whether the Energy Emergency Fund may apply to you and save 4 January.
Using mental-health care? There is nothing you need to change because of this announcement. Just know that reimbursement rules for non-contracted care may change later.
You do not need to react to every new policy announcement. What matters is knowing which changes may eventually affect you, and when you actually need to do something.
Looking for your next step in the Netherlands?
You can also use How to in NL to find practical things that are useful now, not just news about what may change later.
You can find:
- events happening around the Netherlands
- organisations that support internationals
- companies on the IND recognised sponsor register
- current jobs and internships at recognised sponsors
- step-by-step guides for work, study, residence and everyday life