Social assistance standards

What is it?

The social assistance standard is the standard amount to which a person is entitled. The amount depends on many factors (age, family situation, etc.) and is derived from the gross statutory minimum wage.

How much is it?

Social assistance standards change twice a year: once on January 1 and once on July 1. The overview below shows the amount of social assistance benefits (including 5% vacation pay) applicable as of January 1, 2026.

From age 21 to retirement age

  • A single person or single parent: €1,401.50
  • Married couples where both spouses are younger than the retirement age: €2,002.13

Young people without children

  • Single persons aged 18, 19, or 20: €345.99
  • Married couples, both spouses aged 18, 19, or 20: €691.98
  • Married couples where one spouse is 18, 19, or 20 years old and the other spouse is 21 years old or older: €1,347.06

Young people with children under the age of 18

Young people with children under the age of 18, for whom child benefit can be claimed.

  • Single parent aged 18, 19, or 20: €345.99
  • Married couples, both spouses aged 18, 19, or 20: €1,092.41
  • Married couples where one spouse is 18, 19, or 20 years old and the other spouse is 21 years old or older: €1,747.49

Pensioners

  • A single person or single parent: €1,564.69
  • Married couples where one or more have reached retirement age: €2,144.16

Stay in an institution

  • Single person or single parent: €443.76
  • Married couples: €690.27

Increase (Health Insurance Act premium)

  • Single person: €47
  • Married couples: €106

Cost-sharing standard

As of January 1, 2023, the cost-sharing standard has been changed so that only cohabitants aged 27 or older count as cost sharers for the benefits of housemates.

  • Family, cost sharers, younger partner (18, 19, or 20 years old) and without children: €345.99
  • Family, cost sharers, younger partner (18, 19, or 20 years old) with one or more children under the age of 18: €746.42

Disposable income

  • Single: €8,000
  • Single parent: €16,000
  • Married couples: €16,000
  • Equity in own home: €67,500

Amount of study allowance

  • Students aged 18: €192.57
  • Students aged 19: €231.09
  • Students aged 20: €308.12
  • Students aged 21 and older: €385.14

If you are doing an internship, you may keep an internship allowance of up to €231.09 per month in addition to your study allowance.

Overview of income limits as of January 1, 2026

The amounts in the table are the maximum combined net income per month, including vacation pay.

Age and situation100%110%120%
21 years until retirement age
single
€ 1.401,50€ 1.541,65€ 1.681,80
21 years until retirement age
cohabiting/married
€ 2.002,13€ 2.202,34€ 2.402,56
AOW retirement age and older
single
€ 1.564,69€ 1.721,16€ 1.877,63
AOW retirement age and older
cohabiting/married
€ 2.144,16€ 2.358,58€ 2.572,99

What should I do?

You do not need to do anything. Werkzaak Rivierenland applies the standard that applies to you.

Additional information

Information and advice

For information, advice, and support, please contact VraagWijzer West Maas en Waal.

Apply for assistance

You can apply for assistance at Werkzaak Rivierenland.

You can reach Werkzaak Rivierenland by calling 088 9375 000, Monday through Friday between 9:00 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. Please send mail to PO Box 321, 4190 CH Geldermalsen, or email info@werkzaakrivierenland.nl.

How can I get help with money problems?

Many people feel guilty or ashamed when they cannot pay their bills (on time) or are in debt. But did you know that this is much more common than you might think? Anyone can find themselves in financial difficulty. Setbacks such as unemployment, illness, or divorce can cause people to get into trouble.

Are you worried about your financial situation? Having trouble paying all your bills on time? The first step is to seek help. For example, you can contact the organization that sent you the bill. Perhaps you can arrange a payment plan.

For information and questions about financial matters and debts, please contact VraagWijzer West Maas en Waal. For help with managing your finances, you can also contact the Sociom welfare organization.

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