Income Test for Welfare Benefit Application in Rotterdam: the rules explained
In Rotterdam, in addition to your assets, your income plays a crucial role in applying for welfare under the Participation Act. Learn how the municipality of Rotterdam assesses income and which local nuances affect your benefit.
How does the income assessment work in Rotterdam?
The municipality of Rotterdam tests your actual available income over the past month based on the Participation Act. All income sources count, such as wages from work in the port or elsewhere, benefits, alimony, rental income from a room in the city, and income from self-employment. The income of your partner is fully included for cohabitants, in accordance with Rotterdam's rules for households.
Exceptions and deductions in the Rotterdam welfare calculation
- Holiday pay and end-of-year allowance: Deducted at 75%, as laid down in national legislation applied by Rotterdam.
- Child-related budget: Completely disregarded in the test.
- Healthcare allowance and rent allowance: These do not count towards the welfare benefit in Rotterdam.
- Periodic income: Evenly distributed over the year for a stable calculation.
For variable income, such as seasonal work in the Rotterdam port or flexible jobs, the municipality makes a realistic estimate based on averages and your recent tax returns. You are obliged to report changes immediately to the Rotterdam Work Square or via the online portal; failure to report may lead to recovery and fines. The welfare supplements up to the social minimum, which in Rotterdam takes into account the higher cost of living in the region, depending on your living situation and household size.