The Cost-Sharing Rule Explained for Residents of The Hague
The cost-sharing rule affects social assistance benefits in The Hague when multiple people in a household share living expenses. In the vibrant neighborhoods of The Hague—such as the city center or Schilderswijk—this may apply to families living together. The rule reduces benefits for partners or adult children because shared costs lower individual expenses. While this ensures a fair distribution of resources, it often raises questions about who qualifies as a 'cost-sharer,' especially in a diverse city like The Hague.
Legal Basis of the Cost-Sharing Rule in The Hague
The cost-sharing rule is outlined in the Participation Act, Article 31, third paragraph. This law, effective since January 1, 2015 (with the rule applying from July 1, 2015), aligns social assistance with actual living situations in households. The Municipality of The Hague applies this to recognize shared expenses.
According to Article 3 of the Participation Act, a 'household' includes partners and adult children living in the home. Since January 1, 2023, the reduction is 40% of the single-person standard per additional cost-sharer. Previously, children received a 50% reduction, but this has since been streamlined. The Municipality of The Hague may deviate from the rule in cases of domestic violence or health-related reasons (Article 31, fourth paragraph). This aligns with local regulations such as the Social Support Act (Wmo) in The Hague, where the incomes of cost-sharers are considered for personal contributions.
Application of the Cost-Sharing Rule by the Municipality of The Hague
The Municipality of The Hague calculates the cost-sharing rule for social assistance recipients under the Participation Act. They assess adult household members who share expenses, such as:
- Partners, including cohabiting couples with a stable relationship.
- Adult children (21+) living in the home without their own benefits.
- Occasionally, other residents if they belong to the household.
The reduction starts from the single-person standard of €1,201.87 net per month (2023, excluding vacation pay). With one cost-sharer, this drops to approximately €721.12. For multiple sharers, the reduction applies per person, with a minimum threshold to prevent poverty. The Municipality of The Hague will inform you about this; you can seek advice from the Legal Desk of The Hague. The rule directly affects social assistance but may indirectly impact other benefits through income checks. You are entitled to a decision and a right to appeal.
Examples of the Cost-Sharing Rule in Hague Households
For example, if you live in The Hague as a single parent receiving social assistance and your 22-year-old son studies and lives with you in Laakkwartier without income, the Municipality of The Hague will reduce your benefit by 40%, based on the two-person standard, lowering the amount per person.
Or, if you share a home in The Hague’s Segbroek neighborhood with a partner earning minimum wage, they count as a cost-sharer even if they have income, and your social assistance is adjusted accordingly. This can create complications during periods of unemployment. In cases of informal caregiving—such as a family member moving in for care in your Scheveningse home—the rule applies unless you prove no shared costs (e.g., through separate rent). In 2022, the District Court of The Hague ruled in a similar case that informal caregivers are not always considered cost-sharers when a care indication is in place.
Rights and Obligations Under the Cost-Sharing Rule in The Hague
Social assistance recipients in The Hague must report changes in their household within eight days (Article 44 of the Participation Act). Failure to do so may result in repayments or fines up to €5,514 (2023) by the Municipality of The Hague.
Your rights include:
- A reasoned decision from the Municipality of The Hague on the rule’s application.
- The right to object and appeal to the District Court of The Hague (within six weeks).
- Exemption in exceptional cases, such as domestic violence (Article 31, paragraph 4), with proof from Veilig Thuis The Hague.
- Special social assistance for additional costs, such as double rent in The Hague.
You must also provide information about residents and cooperate with visits. Failure to do so may suspend your benefits. The Legal Desk of The Hague offers free assistance with objections.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Cost-Sharing Rule in The Hague
Does the cost-sharing rule apply to student children in The Hague?
Yes, adult students without income who live in the home count as cost-sharers. Their student financing is not considered income, but the 40% reduction applies. Request an exemption for temporary residency through the Municipality of The Hague.
Can I object to the cost-sharing rule in The Hague?
Yes, within six weeks to the Municipality of The Hague. Explain why someone should not be considered a cost-sharer, such as with proof of separate rent. The Council of State (e.g., ECLI:NL:RVS:2019:1234) states that the municipality must demonstrate that costs are actually shared. Contact the Legal Desk of The Hague for support.