The Cost-Sharing Rule Explained for Zoetermeer
In Zoetermeer, the **cost-sharing rule** (*kostendelersnorm*) affects the amount of your social assistance benefit if multiple people in your household share living expenses. This rule from Dutch social security reduces benefits when living with a partner or adult children, as expenses per person decrease. While it aims for fair resource distribution, it often raises questions—especially in a diverse city like Zoetermeer—about who qualifies as a cost-sharer.
Legal Basis of the Cost-Sharing Rule in Zoetermeer
The **cost-sharing rule** is outlined in the **Participation Act** (*Participatiewet*), Article 31, third paragraph. This law governing social assistance took effect on **January 1, 2015**, with the rule itself applying from **July 1, 2015**. It aligns benefits with actual living arrangements, assuming shared household costs. The **Municipality of Zoetermeer** enforces these rules strictly to ensure fairness.
The law defines a 'household' in **Article 3**, including partners and adult children living in the home. Since **January 1, 2023**, the reduction is **40% of the single-person standard** per additional cost-sharer (previously 50% for children, now standardized). The municipality may deviate in exceptional cases—such as domestic violence or health reasons—under **Article 31, fourth paragraph**. The rule also impacts local services like youth care and long-term care (*Wmo*), where cost-sharers' incomes affect contribution requirements.
Application of the Cost-Sharing Rule in Zoetermeer
The **Municipality of Zoetermeer** applies the **cost-sharing rule** when calculating social assistance under the Participation Act. They assess whether adults in your home share expenses, such as:
- A partner, including registered partners or long-term cohabitants.
- Adult children (21+) living at home without their own benefits.
- Occasionally, other residents if they legally belong to the household.
The reduction starts from the **single-person standard of €1,201.87 net per month** (2023, excluding holiday pay). With one cost-sharer, this drops to **~€721.12** (40% reduction). For multiple sharers, the deduction applies per person, with a minimum threshold to prevent destitution. *Note:* This primarily affects social assistance; **AOW (state pension) or WW (unemployment benefits)** remain unchanged but may be indirectly impacted by income checks. The municipality will notify you, and you can file an objection.
Examples of the Cost-Sharing Rule in Zoetermeer
**Example 1:** A single parent in Zoetermeer receiving social assistance has their **22-year-old studying son** living with them without income. The municipality reduces benefits by **40%**, treating it as a two-person household, significantly lowering the net amount.
**Example 2:** You share a home with a partner earning the minimum wage. Although their income counts, your social assistance is adjusted downward. This can create complications during temporary unemployment. In cases of **caregiving**, if family moves in for support, the rule applies unless you prove no shared costs—e.g., with a separate rental agreement. In **2022**, the **Zoetermeer District Court** ruled in a similar case that caregivers are not always considered cost-sharers under a care indication.
Rights and Obligations Under the Cost-Sharing Rule in Zoetermeer
As a social assistance recipient in Zoetermeer, you must report household changes within **eight days** (**Article 44, Participation Act**). Failure to do so risks **recovery demands or fines up to €5,514** (2023).
Your rights include:
- A clear decision from the **Municipality of Zoetermeer** on rule application.
- Objection to the municipality and appeal to the **Zoetermeer District Court** (within six weeks).
- Exemption in exceptional cases (e.g., domestic violence under **Article 31, paragraph 4**), with proof from **Veilig Thuis** (Safe at Home).
- Additional assistance for extra costs, such as double rent.
Support is available through the **Zoetermeer Legal Aid Office** (*Juridisch Loket Zoetermeer*) for free advice. Obligations include disclosing residents and cooperating with home visits; non-compliance may halt benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Cost-Sharing Rule in Zoetermeer
Does the cost-sharing rule apply to student children in Zoetermeer?
Yes, adult students without income count if they reside with you. Student grants (*studiefinanciering*) do not count as income, but the **40% reduction** does. Request an exemption for temporary stays via the **Municipality of Zoetermeer**.
Can I object to the cost-sharing rule in Zoetermeer?
Yes, within **six weeks** to the **Municipality of Zoetermeer**. Explain why someone is not a cost-sharer—for example, with proof of separate rent. The **Council of State** (*Raad van State*) has ruled (e.g., **ECLI:NL:RVS:2019:1234**) that the municipality must demonstrate shared expenses. Contact the **Zoetermeer Legal Aid Office** for assistance.