Do you receive a social assistance benefit in Zoetermeer? Then alimony impacts your benefit. The municipality can also recover alimony from your ex-partner.
Effect on your social assistance benefit
In Zoetermeer, alimony is considered income and deducted from your social assistance benefit:
- Spousal alimony is fully deducted from social assistance
- Child alimony is also offset
- Ultimately, you end up with the same net amount
Recovery by Municipality of Zoetermeer
If you receive social assistance and your ex-partner pays no or insufficient alimony, the Municipality of Zoetermeer can recover the costs from your ex. This process is called 'social assistance recovery'.
| Situation | Municipality response |
|---|---|
| No alimony established | Municipality determines an amount and recovers it |
| Alimony agreed but not paid | Municipality collects on your behalf or recovers itself |
| Ex-partner refuses payment | Municipality can involve LBIO |
Recovery contribution in Zoetermeer
The municipality calculates a recovery contribution based on the financial capacity of your ex-partner. This amount may differ from what a court would impose as alimony.
Obligation to cooperate
As a recipient of social assistance in Zoetermeer, you are obliged to cooperate:
- Inform the municipality about your ex-partner
- Cooperate in paternity establishment (if applicable)
- Assist in submitting alimony requests
In case of failure to cooperate, the municipality may reduce your benefit.
When no recovery?
The Municipality of Zoetermeer refrains from recovery in situations such as:
- Ex-partner has insufficient financial means
- Recovery seriously harms the relationship with children
- Costs of recovery do not outweigh the proceeds
Do I need to arrange alimony myself with a social assistance benefit?
The Municipality of Zoetermeer often takes this over. However, you must share data about your ex-partner and cooperate. The municipality determines whether recovery is feasible.What if my ex pays alimony while I receive social assistance?
The alimony is fully deducted from your social assistance. Your benefit is reduced, but your total income remains the same. Alimony effectively replaces part of the social assistance.Can I object to recovery?
If your ex-partner disagrees with the recovery contribution, he/she can lodge an objection with the municipality. As a social assistance recipient, you can also object if recovery has negative consequences for you or your children.Frequently asked questions
How is alimony offset against my social assistance in Zoetermeer?
Both spousal and child alimony is fully deducted from your social assistance benefit. Your benefit decreases by the amount of alimony received, so you end up with the same net amount. The municipality considers alimony as income and adjusts the benefit, even for direct payments to children.
What to do if my ex does not pay alimony?
The Municipality of Zoetermeer can recover the alimony from your ex-partner if you receive social assistance. You must share relevant information about your ex. The municipality can set an amount or involve the LBIO in case of payment refusal. You do not need to take action yourself, but cooperation is mandatory.
How does the municipality determine the recovery contribution?
The municipality assesses the capacity of your ex-partner, such as income and expenses. This may differ from a judicial alimony decision. Your ex can object to the determined amount with the municipality.
What if I fail to meet the cooperation obligation?
If you fail to meet your obligation (e.g., by withholding information), the municipality may reduce or terminate your social assistance. You must provide all requested data to enable recovery.
Can the municipality refrain from recovery?
Yes, if your ex-partner is financially unable to pay, if recovery harms the bond with children, or if the costs exceed the benefits, the municipality can refrain from recovery. This is assessed on a case-by-case basis.
What is the difference between alimony and recovery contribution?
Alimony is the amount your ex must pay according to agreement or court order. Recovery contribution is the amount imposed by the Municipality of Zoetermeer on your ex based on capacity, independent of prior agreements.