Participation Act Rotterdam: transition from WWB and local changes

In Rotterdam, the Participation Act replaced the Work and Assistance Act (WWB) as of 1 January 2015, with specific transitional law for existing benefits in the region. Rotterdam WWB beneficiaries retained their rights until reassessment by the municipality, but had to comply with stricter participation requirements, such as mandatory job application trajectories via Werkplein Rotterdam. For young people (18-27), the 'guarantee act' applies: maximum 2 years of benefit without work, followed by intensive trajectories at Werkfabriek or Randstad Rotterdam. Asset limits were tightened to €7,575 for single persons (2024), and the one-off asset designation was abolished. The Municipality of Rotterdam gained more freedom in activation measures, such as the Rotterdam Income Supplement Scheme (RIAS) for those on minimum incomes. Changes since then: in 2020, norm increase due to inflation; 2023 extension of the starters scheme for starters on the Rotterdam labour market. Wajong beneficiaries in Rotterdam are integrated via Participation Act benefit with wage supplementation via UWV and the municipality. Transition from WW to Participation Act requires notification to UWV Rotterdam. Older schemes such as IoW have been absorbed into broader trajectories at Werkbridge Rotterdam. Check your status via Werk.nl or the Rotterdam Work App. This transition reduced the number of benefit recipients in Rotterdam by 25% through stricter testing and local job offensives. For advice on transition: consult the SVB, Municipality of Rotterdam (Work and Income team) or Werkplein. Historical context helps in understanding ongoing matters in the port city. (218 words)