Social Assistance Standards in Den Haag: Basis for Your Benefit
Social assistance standards are the legal minimum amounts for your social assistance benefit in Den Haag. The Municipality of Den Haag uses these amounts to calculate your benefit, based on your household, age and finances. They cover essential costs such as rent in neighbourhoods like the Schilderswijk or Segbroek, groceries and clothing. This article explains the standards for residents of Den Haag, including the amounts for 2024.
What Do the Social Assistance Standards Mean for Den Haag?
The social assistance standard is the amount the government considers appropriate for a decent standard of living. In Den Haag, it varies by situation and is indexed annually based on inflation and wages. If your income and savings fall below it, the Municipality of Den Haag will top up your benefit to this standard. For advice, contact the Den Haag Legal Aid Office.
The standard applies from age 21. Young people under 21 often need to live with parents. This builds on our article about the benefit amount in 2024.
Legal Basis for Social Assistance Standards
The standards are set out in the Participation Act (Pw), particularly Article 6 Pw and Annex 1 to the Pw. They guarantee a 'sufficient subsistence minimum' for applicants in Den Haag.
- Article 6 Pw: Amount for clothing, shoes, housing and fixed costs.
- Article 31 Pw: Benefit = standard minus own income and assets.
- Indexation via Article 76 Pw: Adjustment as of 1 January to price increases.
The Minister of SZW publishes the current standards in the Government Gazette, which the Municipality of Den Haag applies.
Standard Amounts for Social Assistance 2024 in Den Haag
As of 1 January 2024, these indexed net monthly amounts apply (excluding 5% holiday allowance and one-off supplements). The Municipality of Den Haag applies them strictly.
| Household Type | 2024 Standard (net p.m.) |
|---|---|
| Single Person | € 1.359,17 |
| Single Parent | € 1.923,99 |
| Married Couple / Cohabiting Partners | € 1.923,99 |
| Single Person Aged 65+ | € 1.359,17 |
| Per Child (0-17 years) | € 309,25 to € 500,20 |
See details in Annex 1 Pw. If living with others, the standard may be lower.
Access to Social Assistance Standards in Den Haag
Entitlement to social assistance requires meeting Article 7 Pw, as assessed by the Municipality of Den Haag:
- Age 21+.
- Lawful residence in the Netherlands.
- Insufficient income/assets (Article 31 Pw).
- Willingness to work (exceptions for illness).
- No luxury housing costs.
Submit your application to the Municipality of Den Haag.
Rights and Obligations for Social Assistance in Den Haag
Rights
- Full standard if no income.
- Indexation plus holiday pay (June).
- Objection and appeal via Awbz at the District Court of Den Haag.
Obligations
- Report job search and changes within 8 days (Article 60 Pw).
- No concealing income.
- Cooperate in reintegration.
Breach may lead to reduction or termination by the municipality.
Examples from Den Haag Practice
Example 1: Marie (45, single, Laan van Wateringsveld) has no income. Standard: €1.359,17. With €200 part-time wage: €1.159,17 benefit.
Example 2: Ahmed and partner with children (5 and 10) in Transvaalwijk. Standard: €1.923,99 + €309,25 + €422,62 = €2.655,86. Savings above €7.575 must be used first.
Example 3: Post-divorce: from couple standard (€1.923,99) to single (€1.359,17); report immediately to Municipality of Den Haag.
FAQ on Social Assistance Standards in Den Haag
Can I get allowances alongside the standard?
Yes, rent, healthcare or childcare allowance from the Tax Authorities does not count as social assistance income.
Does income exceed the standard?
No benefit. For variable income, the Municipality of Den Haag uses the 3-month average.
Do standards differ by municipality like Den Haag?
No, they are uniform nationwide. But the Municipality of Den Haag provides extraordinary assistance for one-off expenses.
How often is indexation?
Annually as of 1 January, based on price developments.