Income from Work and Benefits in Rotterdam

**Do you work alongside receiving benefits in Rotterdam?** Then the income build-up regulation under the Participation Act (formerly the WWB) applies. In Rotterdam, you may retain 100% of your benefits if your income is up to the benefit standard. Above this level, the municipality deducts the excess: fully up to 150% of the standard, and thereafter 50%. For part-time workers in Rotterdam, there is a build-up period of 6 months during which additional income carries less weight, to encourage employment in the port city. **Example for a single person in Rotterdam:** With a gross monthly income of €1,200, you retain €1,140.71 in benefits minus €59.29 (the excess above the standard), resulting in a total of €1,081.42. Self-employed individuals (ZZP'ers) in Rotterdam report their quarterly profits to the municipality; the average income is included in the calculation. Partner income is halved. Rotterdam employers in logistics and port activities often use part-time schedules that combine well with benefits. **The Participation Act encourages work in Rotterdam:** The municipality offers guidance through Werkplein Rotterdam and local programs such as 'Work and Income Rotterdam,' allowing you to retain your benefits. Reporting is mandatory via the Rotterdam Work Portal or Werk.nl. Failure to report? This results in reclamation plus a 100% penalty. In 2023, 17% of Rotterdam benefit payments ended due to employment income, higher than the national average due to the strong labor market. Combine with allowances and housing benefit using the Rotterdam calculation tool or the Nibud tool for maximum advantage.