Municipal Regulations Alongside the Participation Act in Rotterdam

In Rotterdam, municipal authorities establish supplementary regulations alongside the Participation Act via the Rotterdam Participation Act Ordinance. This targets Rotterdam residents on benefits, with an individual income supplement for long-term benefit recipients (maximum 3 years, €279 per month in 2024), minimum benefit standards for asylum permit holders with residence status, and exceptional assistance for one-off expenses such as funeral costs (€802) or a new pair of glasses. Specifically for Rotterdam, the city offers 'Iedereenbijstand' for non-insured persons, advances in cases of acute need, and additional training subsidies via Werkplein Rotterdam. Unique to the port city are participation budgets for work experience placements in logistics and port-related sectors, plus subsidies for language and vocational training to strengthen the local labour market. All regulations are tested against 'necessity' and 'responsibility' in accordance with the General Local Ordinance (APV) Rotterdam. Applications are made at Werkplein Rotterdam or the municipal counter with proof of income and invoices. In case of rejection, you can lodge an objection within 6 weeks. This policy scope adapts the law to Rotterdam's challenges, such as high unemployment in neighbourhoods like Rotterdam-South, but creates variation with other cities. In 2024, many supplements are indexed by 6.5% due to inflation. Consult the website rotterdam.nl/werkplein or APV for current details. The Council of State reviews for national uniformity.