Cost-sharing standard
What is it?
The cost-sharing rule means that if you live with other adults, the municipality will adjust your Social assistance benefit . The more adults living in your household, the lower your benefit will be. Not all housemates count toward the cost-sharing rule.
The reason for the cost-sharing standard is that your housing costs are lower when more people live in your home. This is because you can share these costs.
How does it work?
Calculate social assistance using the cost-sharing standard
Under the cost-sharing rule, the number of people living in your household affects the amount of your Social assistance benefit. The more adults living in your household, the lower your benefit.
| Number of people aged 21 or older in a household | Social assistance rate per person | Total social assistance benefit if all individuals receive social assistance |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 70% | 70% |
| 2 | 50% | 100% |
| 3 | 43,33% | 130% |
| 4 | 40% | 160% |
| 5 | 38% | 190% |
The cost-sharing standard also applies to households with more than 5 people. As of January 1, 2023, the age limit has been raised to 27 years or older.
Exceptions to the cost-sharing rule
Not all housemates are included in the cost-sharing standard. Exceptions include:
- young people up to age 27;
- the person with whom you share a household, provided no one else lives in the home;
- the commercial tenant/subtenant/boarder or the landlord/sublandlord/host who lives in the same dwelling;
- tenants with a commercial lease (and who pay a commercial rent);
- students enrolled in a program that qualifies them for student financial aid or a tuition assistance grant;
- students enrolled in a work-based learning program (BBL students);
- displaced persons in crisis situations who are not themselves eligible for social assistance under the Participation Act (this applies provisionally until September 1, 2023).
Income and assets of housemates
Do you live with roommates, and does the cost-sharing rule apply? If so, your roommates’ income and assets do not count toward your eligibility for public assistance.
Are you married and living with your partner? Or do you share a household with someone? If so, that person’s income and assets will be taken into account when determining your eligibility for public assistance.
What should I do?
You don’t need to do anything. Werkzaak Rivierenland will determine whether the cost-sharing standard applies to you.
How do I contact Werkzaak Rivierenland?
You can reach Werkzaak Rivierenland on weekdays at 088 9375 000. Do you have a question for your income counselor? If so, please call him or her directly during office hours.
You can find more information on the Werkzaak Rivierenland website at .
Additional information
Information and advice
For information, advice, and support, please contact VraagWijzer West Maas en Waal
- 50 Van Heemstraweg,
, 6658 KH Beneden-Leeuwen - 0487 790 790 (available 24/7)
- info@vraagwijzerwmw.nl
- vraagwijzer
- Phone hours
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.