Participation Act: calculation of the benefit

The Participation Act regulates not only the conditions for a benefit, but also how the amount thereof is calculated. The benefit is based on the statutory minimum wage and depends on your living situation, such as single, cohabiting or with children. For a single person, the standard in 2024 is €1,201.82 net per month, excluding holiday allowance and special assistance. Income from work, alimony or other sources is deducted, with an exemption scheme applying for the first €246 per month. Assets exceeding the asset threshold of €7,575 (single) or €15,140 (cohabiting) result in a reduction. The municipality checks monthly and adjusts in case of changes. In the calculation, municipalities take into account housing costs and special circumstances, such as medical expenses. You are obliged to report changes immediately to prevent sanctions. For young people under 27, a starters scheme applies with lower standards and mandatory trajectories. These rules ensure an individual calculation that stimulates activation. Consult the municipal website for current amounts and calculation tools. (198 words)