Social Assistance Asset Limit Calculation: How It Works
For the social assistance benefit, your assets and income are assessed to determine if you are entitled to support. The social assistance asset limit is a crucial factor: if you exceed this limit, you may not be eligible for social assistance. In this article, we explain how your assets are calculated, what rules apply, and what exceptions there are.
What is the social assistance asset limit?
The social assistance asset limit is the maximum amount you may possess to qualify for a social assistance benefit. This limit is set by the government and adjusted annually. In 2024, the asset limit for a single person is € 30,000 (excluding the home). For cohabiting partners, a higher limit applies, namely € 60,000.
Important: Only your freely disposable assets are taken into account. This is the amount you have left after deducting debts and certain exemptions. Your income is also considered in the assessment. Both factors together determine whether you are entitled to social assistance.
Which assets are taken into account?
Not all possessions are included in the calculation of your assets. The following items are not taken into account:
- The home (provided you live in it and do not own another home).
- Business assets (only if you are actively involved in the business and do not use it as a savings pot).
- An annuity insurance or pension (only the capital that has not yet been paid out).
- A car with a value up to € 7,500 (for a single person) or € 15,000 (for cohabiting partners).
- A family grave or grave rights.
The following are taken into account in your assets:
- Savings (in savings accounts, term deposits, investments).
- Investments (stocks, bonds, ETFs, crypto).
- Other real estate (e.g., a vacation home or second home).
- Cash and current account balances.
- Works of art, antiques, or other valuable objects (if not exempt).
How are your assets calculated?
To calculate your assets, you must add up all possessions and then deduct certain exemptions and debts. The result is your freely disposable assets. The formula looks like this:
| Base Assets | Calculation |
|---|---|
| All possessions (after deducting debts) | Total of savings, investments, real estate, cash, etc. |
| Exemptions (e.g., home) | Deduction of exempt items (see above) |
| Freely Disposable Assets | Base Assets - exemptions = freely disposable assets |
Example: Suppose you have savings of € 25,000, an investment account with € 10,000, and a car worth € 8,000. You live in your own home (exempt) and have no debts. Then your calculation is as follows:
- Total possessions: € 25,000 (savings) + € 10,000 (investments) + € 8,000 (car) = € 43,000.
- Deduct exemptions: the home is not taken into account, so your assets remain € 43,000.
- Your freely disposable assets are therefore € 43,000, but the asset limit for a single person is € 30,000. You exceed this limit and are not entitled to social assistance.
Note: If your assets exceed the limit, but you can demonstrate that you need the money for example for medical expenses or home damage, the municipality may take this into account in the assessment.
Legal Basis: Where is it regulated?
The rules regarding the social assistance asset limit are laid down in the Social Support and Income Act (Wet werk en bijstand - Wwb). Specifically, these are the relevant articles:
- Article 38 Wwb: Assessment of assets and income.
- Article 39 Wwb: Asset limit for social assistance.
- Article 40 Wwb: Exemptions for assets.
- Article 41 Wwb: Income and social assistance.
In addition, the social assistance norms are set annually by the central government in consultation with the municipalities. These norms are published in the Social Assistance Norms Decree. For 2024, the following limits apply:
| Situation | Asset Limit (excluding own |
|---|