This group of entrepreneurs can use the third quarter of 2020 as an alternative reference period. To qualify for TVL Q4 2021, a business must have at least a 20 percent loss in revenue compared to the reference period. For this, an entrepreneur can choose between the 4th quarter of 2019 or the 1st quarter of 2020. This exception now applies to entrepreneurs who had at least three weeks of maternity leave in both reference quarters.

They can still apply for TVL Q4 2021 until February 11, 2022, at 5:00 PM. The so-called hardship clause that makes this exception possible is pending approval from the European Commission. The Netherlands Enterprise Agency is keeping applications from this group of entrepreneurs separate until the European Commission approves the hardship clause. After that, entrepreneurs will receive clarification about their application.

For more information about the TVL: visit RVO.nl. Entrepreneurs who were on maternity and childbirth leave in both reference quarters and had already applied for TVL Q4 2021 can also make use of the hardship clause. They need to withdraw their ongoing TVL application as soon as possible and submit a new application before February 11, 2022, at 5:00 PM. In the application form, they can check the hardship clause for maternity leave and choose the alternative reference period (Q3 2020). This also applies to new applications.