Income Test for General Assistance Benefit Application in Zoetermeer: the rules explained
In Zoetermeer, in addition to your assets, income plays a crucial role in the application for general assistance. Learn how the Municipality of Zoetermeer assesses your income and which sources affect your benefit under the Participation Act.
How does the income assessment work in Zoetermeer?
The Municipality of Zoetermeer tests your actual available income over the past month based on the Participation Act. All income sources are included, such as wages from employment, benefits from the UWV, alimony, rental income from a room or holiday home, and income from freelance assignments. Your partner's income is fully included if you live together, even if your partner works in another city. Zoetermeer applies the same national standards, but adapts them to local circumstances such as the high rents in neighbourhoods like Buytenwegh and Rokkeveense Zoom.
Exceptions and deductions in the Zoetermeer general assistance calculation
- Holiday pay and end-of-year allowance: Deducted at 75% from the test income.
- Child-related budget: Completely disregarded in the calculation.
- Healthcare allowance and rent allowance: Not counted towards your general assistance benefit in Zoetermeer.
- Periodic income such as quarterly benefits: Evenly distributed over the entire year for a fair assessment.
For variable income, such as seasonal work in the Zoetermeer greenhouse horticulture or flexible jobs at local companies, the municipality makes a realistic estimate based on your average income over the last three months. You are obliged to report all changes, such as a new job or extra income from a side job, immediately to the Werkplein Zoetermeer. Failure to report may lead to recovery of overpaid assistance and fines. The general assistance benefit supplements up to the social minimum, which in Zoetermeer depends on your household composition, age, and whether you live in a rental property in Seghwaert or Dorpsstraat.
For personal advice, you can visit the counter of the Municipality of Zoetermeer at Stadshuisplein 1 or make an appointment via the online portal of Zoetermeer.