Long-term low income criteria in Rotterdam

Long-term low income: the criteria in Rotterdam

In Rotterdam, where many residents face flexible port jobs or temporary contracts, long-term low income means your income has not exceeded 100% of the social minimum for three consecutive years. These requirements are key for benefits such as the individual income supplement (IIS). They support Rotterdam residents with chronically low incomes.

What does long-term low income mean for Rotterdam residents?

The concept of long-term low income refers to ongoing financial pressure. Within the Dutch social security system, including the Municipality of Rotterdam, it determines eligibility for extra assistance or supplements. It targets structural poverty, not short-term dips. Strict rules ensure that temporary benefits do not count as low income.

For the individual income supplement (IIS), this is essential. This one-off payment compensates for long-term low income but requires proof of three years below the threshold.

Legal basis

The standards for long-term low income are set out in the Participation Act, specifically Article 36, paragraph 1. Your income must not have exceeded the assistance standard (Article 20, paragraph 1 of the Participation Act), or 100% of the social minimum for your household, for three consecutive years. The Municipality of Rotterdam strictly follows national rules and cannot impose stricter requirements.

Rules under the General Act on State Taxes govern income data, while the Remuneration Act addresses assets.

• Participation Act Article 36: Three-year period and income threshold.
• Article 20 Participation Act: Social minimum, such as €1,201 net per month for single persons aged 21+ (2024).
• Ministerial regulations: Indexed annually.

The criteria explained for Rotterdam

To meet the long-term low income criteria in Rotterdam, you must satisfy various conditions. Overview:

1. Period: three continuous years

The duration must be uninterrupted. In Rotterdam, with seasonal port work, short peaks may be flexibly assessed by the Municipality of Rotterdam.

2. Threshold: max. 100% social minimum

Your gross annual income must remain below the threshold. For 2024:

Source: SVB and Ministry of SZW (2024). Includes salary, benefits, alimony, and partner's income.

3. Assets test

Assets max. assistance standard (Article 34 Participation Act): €7,575 for singles, €15,140 for cohabiting couples (2024). In Rotterdam, savings, additional properties, or cars above the exemption count.

4. Age and residence

Aged 21+ and resident in the Netherlands, i.e., Rotterdam. Asylum seekers or full-time students are often excluded.

Examples from Rotterdam practice

Example 1: Marieke (35, single, Rotterdam-South), €1,100 net from assistance (2021-2023), no savings. IIS of €500+ approved by Municipality of Rotterdam.

Example 2: Ahmed (45, married, Charlois), €1,600/month (2020-2022), but €10,000 in bank. Rejected due to excess assets.

Example 3: Port worker Lisa: 2021 assistance (€1,000), 2022 sickness benefit (€1,400), 2023 unemployment benefit (€1,100). Municipality of Rotterdam approves if average income is below threshold.

Your rights and obligations in Rotterdam

Rights:

• Free application at Municipality of Rotterdam.
• Objection at municipality, appeal to Rotterdam District Court (General Administrative Law Act Article 7:1).
• Automatic adjustment of standards.

Obligations:

1. Submit proof: tax returns, UWV statements (3 years).
2. Report current income.
3. No fraud: penalty up to 100%.

FAQs for Rotterdam residents

Tips for Rotterdam residents

• Gather documents via Mijn Belastingdienst and UWV.
• Calculate using SVB tool.
• Consider special assistance.
• Check Participation Act or call Juridisch Loket Rotterdam.
• Complex case? Seek local legal aid.

Related: IIS, Social minimum, Assistance standards.