Do you work alongside benefits in Zoetermeer? Then the income accumulation scheme from the Participation Act applies. You may retain 100% of your benefit for income up to the benefit level. Above that, the municipality of Zoetermeer deducts the excess: fully up to 150% of the norm, thereafter 50%. For part-time workers, a 6-month accumulation period applies in which additional income is settled more leniently, to stimulate work in this growing city.
Example for a single person in Zoetermeer: with €1,200 gross monthly income, you retain €1,140.71 benefit minus €59.29 (the excess), so total €1,081.42. Self-employed persons (ZZP'ers) in Zoetermeer must report their quarterly profit to the municipality; the average income is included in the calculation. Partner income is halved.
The Participation Act encourages work: the municipality of Zoetermeer offers trajectories via Werkplein Zoetermeer such as application coaching and retraining, with retention of the benefit. Reporting income is mandatory via Werk.nl or directly to the municipality. Failure to report? Then recovery plus 100% penalty follows. In 2023, 18% of benefit payments in Zoetermeer ended due to work income, higher than the national average due to local jobs in tech and logistics at companies such as Asus and PostNL. Combine with allowances for maximum benefit; use the Nibud tool or check at the Zoetermeer Customer Contact Centre (KCC).