Individual Income Supplement Conditions in Rotterdam
The individual income supplement (IIS) provides residents of Rotterdam with assets above the standard limit but a low income, temporary assistance to cover basic needs. This scheme from the Municipality of Rotterdam helps prevent the need to use up all savings. In this article, we explain the conditions, legal basis, and how to apply through local services like the Legal Aid Desk Rotterdam.
What is the Individual Income Supplement in Rotterdam?
The IIS falls under the Participation Act and is designed for households in Rotterdam that do not qualify for regular benefits due to excess assets, despite financial difficulties. Unlike standard benefits, which enforce strict asset limits, the Municipality of Rotterdam allows for tailored solutions. This applies, for example, to savings from inheritances or long-term accumulations without recent income. The scheme promotes self-reliance in the port city, where many Rotterdam residents face fluctuating incomes, such as from seasonal work or early retirement.
It assists in situations like declining income due to illness or unemployment, while preserving a buffer for emergencies. For personal advice, contact the Legal Aid Desk Rotterdam.
Legal Basis
The individual income supplement is regulated in the Participation Act (Pw), articles 18 and following. Article 18, paragraph 1 of the Pw provides for assistance for those unable to support themselves. For IIS, an exception applies to the asset limit in article 31 of the Pw: €7,575 for single individuals and €15,020 for cohabiting couples in 2023. The Municipality of Rotterdam implements this through local policy rules.
Municipalities like Rotterdam have flexibility under the General Administrative Order (AMvB) and their own regulations. The ministerial regulation 'Individual income supplement' (State Gazette 2015, 191) provides assessment guidelines. The supplement is temporary and requires a plan for income improvement or asset use. European case law, including Loffredo v. Italy from the European Court of Human Rights, requires that asset rules be proportionate and not cause excessive hardship.
Conditions for Approval in Rotterdam
The Municipality of Rotterdam assesses IIS applications individually. Key conditions include:
- Residency and residence permit: You must reside in Rotterdam with a valid residence permit (article 7 Pw).
- Income situation: Your net income is below the benefit norm but not zero. The supplement brings it up to level, after deducting a contribution from your assets.
- Assets: Above the norm but 'reasonable' for your circumstances – in Rotterdam often €30,000 to €50,000 for a single person, depending on local factors like housing costs in the city. Exceptions for your own home or business capital.
- Work capability: If under the state pension age, you must participate in re-integration programs in Rotterdam (article 9 Pw). This does not apply if you are over 65.
- No other benefits: You are not eligible for standard benefits, state pension, or coverage by other allowances.
- Temporariness: Maximum of 6 months, extendable to 2 years with a solid plan (article 18, paragraph 3 Pw).
The Municipality of Rotterdam checks for your own efforts, such as job applications or debt management. Submit bank statements and income overviews with your application.
Comparison with Regular Benefits in Rotterdam
| Aspect | Regular Benefits | Individual Income Supplement |
|---|---|---|
| Asset Limit | Strict: €7,575 (2023) | Flexible: higher, customized |
| Duration | Indefinite if compliant | Temporary: up to 2 years |
| Assessment | Standard via Municipality of Rotterdam | Personal with plan |
| Target Group | Low income and assets | Low income, reasonable assets |
Practical Examples from Rotterdam
Consider Jansen, a 62-year-old Rotterdam resident, with a small pension of €1,200 net per month (norm €1,300). His €40,000 savings come from an inheritance, so he does not qualify for regular benefits. The Municipality of Rotterdam approves €100 IIS per month for 6 months, linked to a plan for part-time work in the port. After review, they extend it.
Or widow De Vries (70), with €25,000 savings and a state pension of €1,100 (norm €1,200). Due to her age and reasonable buffer, she receives IIS from the municipality without a work requirement. Denials occur for unexplained high assets, like €100,000, unless tied to a Rotterdam property.
Rights and Obligations in Rotterdam
Rights:
- Fair assessment by the Municipality of Rotterdam (article 3:2 General Administrative Law Act).
- Objection and appeal to the Rotterdam District Court, possibly the Council of State (article 7:1 General Administrative Law Act).
- No repayment if the award is lawful.
Obligations:
- Report changes in income or assets immediately (article 35 Pw).
- Cooperate with a re-integration plan or savings measures.
- Repay if income increases.
For help with applications or objections, contact the Legal Aid Desk Rotterdam.
Veelgestelde vragen
Wat is mijn retourrecht?
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Kan ik rente eisen over schulden?
Ja, je kunt wettelijke rente eisen (momenteel ongeveer 8% per jaar) over het openstaande bedrag.
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Je kunt klacht indienen bij de consumentenbond, de overheid of naar de rechter gaan.
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Een kredietovereenkomst regelt hoe je geld leent, wat de rente is, en hoe je dit terugbetaalt.