From welfare to work in Zoetermeer? The 'bridging arrangement' under the Participation Act helps you on your way. For a full-time job, you retain 100% welfare in Zoetermeer for 6 months alongside your wage (up to a maximum of the welfare level). After that, the benefit automatically stops. For part-time work, a pro rata retention applies, adjusted to your hours. This arrangement encourages outflow from welfare; in 2024, the municipality of Zoetermeer offers a one-time bonus of €300 if you work for 6 months.
Participation Act article 78 regulates this nationally, but in Zoetermeer you must report new work immediately at the Wmo counter or via the online portal of Zoetermeer Werkt. The municipality adjusts your benefit immediately. Note: your partner's income is included in the calculation. After termination, in case of job loss, you can submit a reapplication, with a 'reconnection period' of 4 weeks during which no assets test applies.
Advantages in Zoetermeer: no abrupt poverty trap thanks to this buffer. The municipality offers free job application training and workshops via the Werkplein Zoetermeer, including tailored career advice. Penalty for not reporting work immediately: at least €546. Check your status via the UWV work folder or the Zoetermeer citizen portal. Approximately 40% of outflowers return within a year; therefore, build up a buffer. Combine with local study cost reimbursements for retraining, such as the Zoetermeer Retraining Scheme for sectors such as IT and logistics.