Individual Income Supplement Conditions in Den Haag
The individual income supplement (IIS) provides support to residents of Den Haag whose assets exceed the standard norm but who have insufficient income for basic needs. This assistance temporarily bridges the gap between income and expenses without requiring all savings to be depleted. In this article, we explain the conditions, the legal basis, and tips specifically for applicants in Den Haag, where the Municipality of Den Haag assesses individual cases.
What is the Individual Income Supplement in Den Haag?
The IIS falls under the social assistance provisions of the Participation Act and is intended for households in Den Haag that do not qualify for regular assistance due to assets that are too high, yet still face financial hardship. Unlike regular assistance, which is tied to strict asset limits, the IIS offers more flexibility. The Municipality of Den Haag evaluates each case individually, for example, with savings from an inheritance or long-term frugality, rather than from current earnings.
This measure promotes self-reliance: you don't have to exhaust your reserves to get help. It serves as a buffer in Den Haag for periods of income reduction, such as early retirement or health issues, while preserving assets for unexpected expenses in the city.
Legal Basis
The individual income supplement is regulated in the Participation Act (Pw), particularly in Article 18 and following. Article 18(1) Pw states that assistance is available to those who cannot provide for themselves. For the IIS, there is an exception to the asset limit in Article 31 Pw, normally €7,575 for single individuals or €15,020 for couples in 2023.
The law grants municipalities like Den Haag policy discretion through the General Administrative Order (AMvB) and local rules. The ministerial regulation 'Individual Income Supplement' (State Gazette 2015, 191) provides assessment guidelines. Crucially, the supplement is temporary and linked to a plan for improving income or using assets. In Den Haag, you can seek advice from the Legal Aid Office Den Haag about these rules.
European case law, such as from the European Court of Human Rights, requires that asset criteria be proportionate and not cause undue hardship (see case Loffredo v. Italy).
Conditions for Granting in Den Haag
For the individual income supplement in Den Haag, specific conditions apply, which the Municipality of Den Haag reviews on a case-by-case basis. They are flexible but require evidence. The key points:
- Residency and residence permit: You must reside in Den Haag with a valid residence permit (Article 7 Pw).
- Income situation: Your net income is below the assistance norm but not zero. The IIS brings it up to level, after deducting a contribution from your assets.
- Assets: Your holdings exceed the norm but remain 'acceptable'. In Den Haag, a guideline is often €30,000–€50,000 for a single person, depending on circumstances. Exceptions for owner-occupied homes or business capital.
- Work capability: If under the state pension age, you must participate in reintegration efforts (Article 9 Pw). Not required if over 65.
- No other assistance: No entitlement to standard assistance, state pension, or coverage by other benefits.
- Temporariness: Maximum of 6 months, extendable to 2 years with a solid plan (Article 18(3) Pw).
The Municipality of Den Haag checks for self-reliance: have you sought work or addressed debts? Submit bank statements and income documents. The Legal Aid Office Den Haag can help with preparation.
Comparison with Regular Assistance in Den Haag
| Aspect | Regular Assistance | Individual Income Supplement |
|---|---|---|
| Asset Limit | Strict: €7,575 (2023) | Flexible: higher, assessed per case in Den Haag |
| Duration | Indefinite, subject to conditions | Temporary: max. 2 years |
| Assessment | Standard process | Personal, with a plan by the Municipality of Den Haag |
| Target Group | Low income and assets | Low income, higher assets |
Practical Examples in Den Haag
Take Mr. Jansen, 62, from Den Haag, with a net pension of €1,200 monthly. His norm is €1,300. With €40,000 in savings from an inheritance, he doesn't qualify for regular assistance. The Municipality of Den Haag approves €100 IIS per month for 6 months, on the condition of a freelance job search plan. After review, they extend it.
Another case: Widow De Vries, 70, in Den Haag with €25,000 in the bank and a state pension of €1,100 (norm €1,200). IIS is granted because her assets are appropriate and she has no additional income. No work requirement due to age.
In Den Haag, applications are denied for extremely high assets, such as €100,000 without justification, except if tied to a home.
Rights and Obligations in Den Haag
Rights:
- Fair assessment by the Municipality of Den Haag (Article 3:2 General Administrative Law Act).
- Objection and appeal if denied (Article 7:1 General Administrative Law Act; Den Haag District Court, possibly Council of State).
- No repayment if granted lawfully.
Obligations:
- Report changes in income or assets immediately (Article 35 Pw).
- Cooperate with a recovery plan: seek employment or reduce expenses.
- Repay if income increases.
For debt relief or additional advice: contact the Legal Aid Office Den Haag.
Veelgestelde vragen
Wat is mijn retourrecht?
Bij online aankopen heb je 14 dagen retourrecht zonder opgaaf van reden, tenzij de wettelijke uitzonderingen gelden.
Hoe lang geldt de wettelijke garantie?
Goederen moeten minimaal 2 jaar meewerken. Defecten die binnen 6 maanden ontstaan worden verondersteld al aanwezig te zijn.
Kan ik rente eisen over schulden?
Ja, je kunt wettelijke rente eisen (momenteel ongeveer 8% per jaar) over het openstaande bedrag.
Wat kan ik doen tegen oneerlijke handelspraktijken?
Je kunt klacht indienen bij de consumentenbond, de overheid of naar de rechter gaan.
Wat is een kredietovereenkomst?
Een kredietovereenkomst regelt hoe je geld leent, wat de rente is, en hoe je dit terugbetaalt.