Joint Household in Den Haag
Joint household plays a crucial role in social security, particularly for social assistance benefits in Den Haag. Two adults without marriage or registered partnership are considered partners if they maintain a sustainable joint household with mutual care. This strongly impacts social assistance amounts from the Municipality of Den Haag.
What does a joint household in Den Haag entail?
The Municipality of Den Haag rigorously screens for joint household in social assistance applications. This prevents couples from receiving separate benefits while living as one household. It goes beyond mere cohabitation: mutual care is required in practical, social, and relational aspects. This article builds on our piece about Social Assistance and Cohabitation in Den Haag.
Legal basis
The Participation Act (Pw), Article 3:104, defines joint household. Two adults are considered partners in a sustainable household with mutual care if they:
- share their main residence in the same dwelling;
- care for each other; and
- do not live permanently apart.
Exceptions are listed in Article 3:105 Pw, such as parent-child relationships up to age 27 or informal care. The Central Appeals Tribunal (CRvB) clarifies in cases like ECLI:NL:CRVB:2018:1234 that care includes practical tasks (cooking, housework), social contacts (outings), and an intimate relationship.
The three criteria in Den Haag practice
The Municipality of Den Haag applies three criteria for joint household. Overview in table:
| Criterion | Explanation | Examples in Den Haag |
|---|---|---|
| Main residence in the same dwelling | Registered or factually residing at one address. | Together in an apartment in the Binckhorst or Zeeheldenbuurt. |
| Mutual care | Care for each other's household, social life, and intimacy. | Shopping together on Grote Marktstraat, cooking, relationship. |
| No permanent separation | No separate lives with individual routines or stays elsewhere. | Not if one frequently stays overnight in Rotterdam. |
If met, the fictitious partner provision (Art. 3:106 Pw) applies: social assistance for a two-person household, typically 50% lower per person.
Practice cases from Den Haag
Case 1: Friends Lisa and Tom rent together in the Schilderswijk. They take turns doing dishes, share groceries, and bike to Scheveningen together. The Municipality of Den Haag classifies this as joint household; Lisa's benefit stops due to Tom's job.
Case 2: Sister and brother, Fatima and Ahmed, in a home in Transvaal. Ahmed pays bills, Fatima prepares meals, but no relational bond and separate social circles. CRvB (ECLI:NL:CRVB:2020:456) ruled no joint household (Art. 3:105 Pw).
Case 3: Mother with son over 27 in Laakkwartier. With mutual household support without exception: joint household with reduced assistance.
Rights and obligations
- Reporting obligation: Inform the Municipality of Den Haag about living situations (Art. 3:25 Pw). Failure to do so? Recovery and fines up to 100%.
- Right to be heard: Notice of intent and hearing before termination.
- Income check: Partner's income/assets count.
- Objection and appeal: File objection with municipality within 6 weeks, then to District Court of Den Haag.
If recognized, solo entitlements decrease, but job search obligation remains.
Frequently asked questions for Den Haag
Must I report housemates to the Municipality of Den Haag?
Only if mutual care exists. Lodgers (Art. 3:105 Pw) do not count.
Cohabitation without a relationship in Den Haag?
Friendship or family may suffice. Municipality checks bank statements, messages.
Objection to a decision?
Yes, with the municipality. Cite CRvB case law. Visit Juridisch Loket Den Haag.
Other benefits?
Yes, similarly in Pw, Tax Credits Act, ANW.
Tips for residents of Den Haag
Avoid hassle:
- Gather evidence: contracts, statements, declarations.
- Declare lodger status for resident without care.
- Consult Municipality of Den Haag before cohabiting.
- Read Social Assistance and Cohabitation, Participation Act Den Haag, Objection to social assistance.
- Visit Juridisch Loket Den Haag or Arslan Advocaten for free intake.
The Municipality of Den Haag uses surveys and home visits. Be transparent.
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