Benefit Norms: The Basis for Your Social Assistance Benefit in Rotterdam
Benefit norms are the legal minimum standards for your social assistance benefit in Rotterdam. They determine the amount of your benefit based on your living situation, age, and income, enabling Rotterdam residents to cover essential costs such as rent, food, and clothing. In this article, we explain the norms, including the current amounts for 2024 and tips for applying to the Municipality of Rotterdam.
What Do Benefit Norms Mean for Rotterdam Residents?
The benefit norm is the amount the government considers appropriate for a decent standard of living. It varies by individual circumstances and covers living expenses, with annual adjustments for inflation and wages. If your income or assets fall below the norm, apply for social assistance from the Municipality of Rotterdam to top up to the norm. Contact the Legal Aid Office Rotterdam for free advice.
Note: Norms apply from age 21. Those under 21 often need to live with parents. This builds on our article about the Social Assistance Benefit Amount 2024.
Legal Basis of Benefit Norms
The norms are set out in the Participation Act (Pw), particularly Article 6 Pw and Annex 1 to the Pw. They guarantee a 'sufficient subsistence minimum' for participants in Rotterdam.
- Article 6 Pw: Amount for clothing, shoes, housing, and fixed costs.
- Article 31 Pw: Benefit = norm minus income and assets.
- Indexation: Adjusted under Article 76 Pw each 1 January based on price increases.
The Minister of SZW publishes the norms in the Government Gazette.
Benefit Norm Amounts 2024 in Rotterdam
As of 1 January 2024, these indexed net monthly amounts apply (excluding 5% holiday allowance and one-off supplements). The Municipality of Rotterdam applies them strictly.
| Household Type | Norm Amount 2024 (net p.m.) |
|---|---|
| Single Person | € 1.359,17 |
| Single Parent | € 1.923,99 |
| Married Couple / Cohabitants | € 1.923,99 |
| Single Person 65+ (State Pension Age) | € 1.359,17 (same as standard) |
| Per Child (0-17 years) | € 309,25 to € 500,20 (age-dependent) |
View the full overview in Annex 1 Pw. Norms may be reduced if living with others.
Conditions for Social Assistance in Rotterdam
Entitlement to social assistance under Article 7 Pw from the Municipality of Rotterdam:
- Aged 21 or older.
- Lawful residence in the Netherlands.
- Insufficient income/assets (Article 31 Pw).
- Willingness to work (exceptions for illness).
- No luxury/unaffordable housing costs.
The municipality assesses and pays up to the norm minus your own resources.
Rights and Obligations for Social Assistance in Rotterdam
Rights
- Full norm if no income.
- Indexation plus holiday allowance (June).
- Objection/appeal via Awb at Rotterdam District Court.
Obligations
- Job search and report changes within 8 days to Municipality of Rotterdam (Article 60 Pw).
- No fraud with income/assets.
- Participate in reintegration.
Non-compliance may lead to reductions or termination.
Practical Examples in Rotterdam
Example 1: Marie (45, single, Rotterdam-South) unemployed: norm €1,359.17. With €200 part-time income: €1,159.17 benefit.
Example 2: Ahmed and partner with two children (5 and 10) in Rotterdam-West: €1,923.99 + €309.25 + €422.62 = €2,655.86. Savings above €7,575 must be used first.
Example 3: Post-divorce: from couple norm €1,923.99 to single €1,359.17; report immediately to municipality.
Frequently Asked Questions on Benefit Norms in Rotterdam
Can I receive allowances alongside social assistance?
Yes, rent, healthcare, or childcare allowances from the Tax Authorities do not count as income.
Does income exceed the norm?
No social assistance. For variable income (freelance), average over 3 months.
Do norms differ by municipality like Rotterdam?
No, they are nationwide. The Municipality of Rotterdam does offer discretionary assistance for one-off expenses.
How often do norms change?
Annually on 1 January, based on price developments.