Participation Act Zoetermeer: transition from WWB and local amendments

In Zoetermeer, the Participation Act replaced the Work and Assistance Act (WWB) as of 1 January 2015, with specific transitional law for existing benefits at the municipality. WWB beneficiaries in Zoetermeer retained their rights until reassessment by the Wmo counter, but had to comply with the municipality's stricter participation requirements. For young people (18-27), the 'guarantee act' applies: maximum 2 years of benefit without work, followed by mandatory trajectories via local employers such as Zoetermeer work companies or Binckhorst developments. Asset limits were tightened and the one-off asset designation abolished, with additional checks by the Zoetermeer Participation Act department. The municipality of Zoetermeer gained more freedom in activation measures, such as the 'Zoetermeer Works' programmes with partners like Randstad and local work experience placements. Changes since then: in 2020, increase in standards due to inflation, adjusted to Zoetermeer cost of living; in 2023, extension of the starters scheme for starters on the Zoetermeer labour market. For Wajong beneficiaries in Zoetermeer, integrated via participation act benefit with wage supplementation via the UWV counter in the region. Transition from WW to Participation Act requires notification to UWV The Hague, with referral to Zoetermeer. Older schemes such as IoW have been absorbed into broader trajectories at the municipality, including reintegration via the Zoetermeer Work Square. Check your status via Werk.nl or the Zoetermeer Customer Contact Centre. This transition reduced the number of benefit recipients in Zoetermeer by approximately 25% due to stricter local testing and active mediation. For personal advice on transition: contact the municipality of Zoetermeer (via 14 079) or SVB. Local historical context, such as the impact on Zoetermeer neighbourhoods like Rokkeveenseweg, helps in understanding ongoing matters. (248 words)