Fines and Sanctions for Exceeding the Social Assistance Asset Limit in Rotterdam

In Rotterdam, exceeding the social assistance asset limit leads to strict sanctions under the Participation Act. If your savings, second home or assets exceed the limit – €7,575 for single persons and €15,140 for cohabiting persons in 2024 – the Work & Income Department (DWI) stops the benefit after an eight-week recovery period. Article 54 of the Participation Act requires recovery of excess social assistance received. Fines can amount to 30% of the benefit in case of fraud, with a maximum of €5,280. In cases of intent or gross negligence, a recovery period of 4 weeks applies. Not reporting an inheritance or income from a second home in Rotterdam-South? Automatic suspension, recovery demand and fine follow. The Municipality of Rotterdam actively screens via bank linkages, the Land Registry and the Personal Records Database (BRP). In practice: a second car above the €1,200 limit in Rotterdam neighbourhoods such as Charlois costs an entire month's benefit. Remedy by sale and submission of proof to DWI. For Rotterdam residents with chronic illness, the hardship clause provides leniency, such as for additional medical costs. Document everything carefully: good faith prevents fines. From 2024, Rotterdam intensifies checks with digital linkages to the UWV and Tax Authorities. Prevent sanctions by annual asset reporting via Mijn Rotterdam. Free legal advice via the Juridisch Loket Rotterdam or Wijzer in de Wijk. Sanctions hit those on minimum incomes harder in Rotterdam-North: apply for a payment plan at DWI. Transparency always pays off in the port city.