IOAW Benefit Conditions in Den Haag
The IOAW benefit serves as income support for older unemployed individuals and people with a partial work disability in Den Haag who no longer qualify for unemployment benefits (WW) or social assistance. This provision acts as a safety net for residents who struggle to find work in the region due to age or disabilities. In this article, we explain the conditions so that residents of Den Haag know exactly if they qualify and how to apply with the Municipality of Den Haag.
What is an IOAW Benefit in Den Haag?
The Income Provision Act for Older and Partially Disabled Workers (IOAW) targets individuals in Den Haag whose unemployment benefit period has ended and who have insufficient income. It applies to two categories: older unemployed (born before January 1, 1965) and individuals with a partial work disability (born on or after 1965). The benefit supplements your income to the social assistance level, though it is generally lower than WW and includes strict measures against abuse. Unlike social assistance under the Participation Act, in Den Haag you are not required to relocate, and there is no strict asset limit, but the Municipality of Den Haag will assess your income and assets.
Legal Basis of the IOAW in Den Haag
The IOAW is regulated by the Income Provision Act for Older and Partially Disabled Workers (IOAW Act). Relevant provisions include:
- Article 7 IOAW Act: Defines the target group and requires that you have no higher entitlement, such as to WW or social assistance.
- Article 13 IOAW Act: Sets the benefit amount based on the social assistance level minus your own income.
- Article 18 IOAW Act: Requires you to report changes in income or assets to the Municipality of Den Haag.
Introduced in 2004 as a temporary measure, the IOAW runs until 2024 and may then be integrated into other schemes. In Den Haag, implementation is handled by the Municipality of Den Haag in collaboration with the Employee Insurance Agency (UWV) or the local social services. For additional information on social security in the region, consult the Legal Aid Desk in Den Haag or our article on IOAW for older unemployed in Den Haag.
Conditions for an IOAW Benefit in Den Haag
In Den Haag, strict criteria apply for an IOAW benefit to ensure only the appropriate group benefits. Here are the key conditions, tailored to local application:
Age and Target Group in Den Haag
- Older unemployed: Born on or before December 31, 1964, with an ended WW benefit, and residing in Den Haag.
- Partially disabled individuals: Born after January 1, 1965, with a recognized disability (for example, due to illness or handicap) where you can utilize less than 52% of your normal work capacity, as assessed by the UWV.
You must be registered in the Basic Registration of Persons (BRP) of the Municipality of Den Haag and not residing in an institution with covered costs, such as a nursing home in the region.
Income and Asset Conditions in Den Haag
The IOAW supplements your income to the social assistance level if it falls below that threshold. This includes wages, pensions, alimony, and other benefits. For assets, such as savings or a second home, Den Haag applies a threshold of approximately €7,575 per person (2023), though the Municipality of Den Haag handles this flexibly based on your circumstances.
| Condition | Description in Den Haag | Comparison with Social Assistance |
|---|---|---|
| Age | 50+ or work-disabled | No age limit |
| Assets | Max. €7,575 (2023), locally assessed | Same, but more strictly enforced by the Municipality of Den Haag |
| Residence | Den Haag, no relocation required | Required to reside in the Municipality of Den Haag |
| Work Obligation | Yes, but adapted to local job opportunities | Strictly enforced |
Other Conditions in Den Haag
- You may not claim a higher benefit such as WW, WIA, or social assistance through the Municipality of Den Haag.
- You are required to seek work or participate in reintegration efforts, tailored to opportunities in Den Haag, unless your disability prevents this.
- No exclusion due to prior fraud; if in doubt, you can appeal to the District Court of Den Haag.
If you have a partner, your combined income is considered, but your personal benefit portion remains protected under local rules.
Rights and Obligations with an IOAW Benefit in Den Haag
Rights: As long as you meet the requirements, you have the right to the benefit in Den Haag, subject to regular reviews. Amounts are around 70% of your last WW wage, up to the social assistance level (single person: €1,129 net, 2023). You can appeal decisions of the Municipality of Den Haag within 6 weeks, possibly through the District Court of Den Haag.
Obligations:
- Report changes (income, address, health) to the Municipality of Den Haag within 8 days.
- Participate in job applications or training in the Den Haag job market.
- Collaborate with local reintegration programs from the municipality.
Failure to comply can result in reductions or termination; for example, not cooperating leads to a 20-100% cut (similar to Article 31 of the Participation Act).
Practical Examples for Den Haag
Take Jan, 55 years old and born in 1968, who worked as a construction worker in Den Haag but suffered a back injury. The UWV assesses his work capacity at 40%. After his 24-month WW period ends, he applies for IOAW with the Municipality of Den Haag. His pension of €500 per month is supplemented to the social assistance level. Jan must apply for light work in the region without full-time pressure.
Or Maria, 62 years old (born in 1961), a former cashier in a Den Haag supermarket. After her WW ends, she meets the age requirement without a disability. With €6,000 in savings below the threshold, she receives IOAW, but if her partner has a stable income from a local organization, her benefit decreases.
In Den Haag, 20-30% of applications are denied due to lack of evidence of disability or income exceeding limits. A UWV assessment is essential; prepare with medical documents and seek advice from the Legal Aid Desk in Den Haag.