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 based on the gross statutory minimum wage.

How much is it?

Social assistance rates change twice a year: once on January 1 and once on July 1. The table below shows the amount of the Social assistance benefit including 5% vacation pay) effective as of January 1, 2026.

From age 21 to retirement age

  • A single person or single parent: €1,401.50
  • Married couples in which both spouses are under the retirement age: €2,002.13

Young people without children

  • Single person aged 18, 19, or 20: €345.99
  • Married couples, both spouses are 18, 19, or 20 years old: €691.98
  • Married couples in which one spouse is 18, 19, or 20 years old and the other spouse is 21 years of age or older: €1,347.06

Young people with children under the age of 18

Young people with children under the age of 18 who are eligible for child benefits.

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

Retirees

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

Stay in a facility

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

Increase (Health Insurance Act premium)

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

Cost-sharing standards

Effective January 1, 2023, the cost-sharing rule has been amended so that only housemates aged 27 or older are counted as cost-sharers for the housing allowance.

  • Family, cost-sharing partners, younger partner (18, 19, or 20 years old), and no children: €345.99
  • Family, cost-sharing partners, younger partner (18, 19, or 20 years old) with one or more children under the age of 18: €746.42

Discretionary assets

  • Single: €8,000
  • Single parent: €16,000
  • Married couples: €16,000
  • Home equity: €67,500

Amount of the student grant

  • 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 stipend of up to €231.09 per month in addition to your student grant.

Overview of income limits as of January 1, 2026

The amounts in the table represent the maximum combined monthly net income, including vacation pay.

Age and circumstances100%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
Aged 65 and older
single
€ 1.564,69€ 1.721,16€ 1.877,63
Age 65 and older
living with a partner/married
€ 2.144,16€ 2.358,58€ 2.572,99

What should I do?

You don’t need to do anything. Werkzaak Rivierenland will apply 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 welfare assistance

You can apply for social assistance at Werkzaak Rivierenland.

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

How can I get help with financial problems?

Many people feel guilty or ashamed when they can’t pay their bills (on time) or are in debt. But did you know that this happens much more often than you might think? Anyone can find themselves in financial trouble. Setbacks such as unemployment, illness, or divorce can put people in a difficult situation.

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. You may be able to work out a payment plan.

For information and questions about finances and debts, you can contact VraagWijzer West Maas en Waal. For help with managing your finances, you can also contact Welfare Organization Sociom.

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