The basic principle of our social security is that everyone must provide themselves with an income as much as possible. If that fails, there is a safety net to provide every Dutch person with the minimum in the form of assistance. The Work and Social Assistance Act (WWB) is for people who cannot provide sufficient income themselves and who cannot rely on other benefits from other social insurance laws or social services. Municipalities have an important role to play in the implementation of this law. They must also assess the applications.
Who is entitled to benefits under the Work and Social Assistance Act?
A first requirement is that the applicant regularly lives in the Netherlands, and that he or she is not entitled to any other form of benefit and cannot provide for his or her own living. The applicant must be at least 27 years old. Younger people must appeal to the Investing in Young People Act (WE). Someone who is entitled to a benefit under the Artists’ Work and Income Act (WWIK) may also be entitled.
Who are excluded from the Work and Social Assistance Act?
The law excludes a number of persons or situations. Someone serving a prison sentence is not entitled to benefits. The State already provides for the detainee’s livelihood. Also foreigners who are not lawfully resident in the Netherlands. Other people who are excluded, for example, are beneficiaries who stay abroad longer than permitted, for example to go on holiday.
How much is the benefit under the Work and Social Assistance Act?
Three basic amounts have been defined. Who receives which benefit depends on the family composition. For a married couple, the starting point is a benefit of 100 percent of the net minimum wage. A single parent receives 70 percent of the minimum wage, and the single person receives 50 percent of the minimum wage.
Rights but also obligations
The Work and Social Assistance Act is based on the principle that this is a temporary facility. The aim is to provide the titleholder with a basis until the moment that the titleholder can provide for himself again. The beneficiary must do everything he can to find a paid job again or to take training courses to increase employment opportunities. If a benefit is provided to partners, this obligation applies to both people. In addition, the beneficiary is obliged to report everything that may influence the amount or entitlement to the benefit. For example, extra income or if there is a community.
When is there a right to special assistance?
Special assistance is provided if the beneficiary is in circumstances that require higher necessary costs. This often involves additional costs due to following a course or moving. The special assistance can be provided in the form of a loan. This is the case, for example, if the extra money will be used for additional expenses (for example, replacing a washing machine).
People who receive benefits or income from another source may also be entitled to special assistance, but the amount received is not sufficient to live on.