In Zoetermeer, in addition to income, a strict asset limit applies for social assistance benefits. For 2024, a single person may possess a maximum of €7,575 in assets, a couple €15,150. Saving above this limit leads to refusal or termination of social assistance by the municipality of Zoetermeer. Assets include savings, investments, second homes, crypto and recreational vehicles, but your own home and furnishings are exempt up to €58,000 per person.
Pursuant to the Work and Assistance Act (Wet werk en bijstand, WWB), article 31, an 'asset income supplement' applies: savings above the exemption are considered as fictitious income (up to 4% yield). For those aged 65 and over in Zoetermeer, the exemption is higher: €66,050. The municipality may deviate in exceptional situations, such as medical debts or costs for informal care, in line with local initiatives such as the Zoetermeer poverty policy.
When applying to the municipality of Zoetermeer, you must provide all asset details; the Tax Authorities share these automatically. Concealing assets is fraud, with penalties up to €11,760 or even criminal prosecution. Tip: spend your savings first before applying for social assistance. For AOW recipients in Zoetermeer, more lenient rules apply via the IOAW. Use the digital social assistance calculator on the municipality of Zoetermeer's website to check your personal situation and make an appointment at the social counter in the Town Hall.