Do you work alongside your social assistance benefit in Zoetermeer? Then your income from work is in principle fully offset against your benefit. The municipality of Zoetermeer tops up your income to the social assistance standard that applies to you: if you earn extra, your benefit drops by (almost) the same amount. One exception is the statutory income exemption, which lets you keep part of your earnings.
Income exemption
Under the Participation Act (Section 31), the following exemptions apply, provided the municipality considers that working contributes to your labour-market participation:
- Regular exemption: 25% of your income, up to about €285 per month, for a maximum of 6 consecutive months (from age 27).
- Single parents: a further 12.5% on top, up to about €174 per month, for a maximum of 30 months.
- Medically hour-restricted: 15% of income, up to about €180 per month, with no maximum duration.
Income above the exemption is fully offset against the benefit. The amounts are indexed twice a year.
Reporting and the self-employed
You must report all income immediately to the municipality of Zoetermeer, for example via the Werkplein (employment desk). If you work as a freelancer (zzp), you declare your income and the municipality periodically determines how much supplementary assistance you receive. Any income of a partner counts towards the family benefit. If you fail to report income, the municipality can reclaim overpaid benefit and impose a fine.
Combining work and benefit
The municipality of Zoetermeer can support you in finding work under the Participation Act, for example with a trial placement during which you temporarily keep your benefit. Bear in mind that more income can also affect your allowances; report changes to the Tax Administration to avoid having to repay.
Advice
Combining work and social assistance is complex. For a personal calculation you can turn to the Werkplein in Zoetermeer, the Legal Aid Counter (Juridisch Loket) or a debt counsellor.