Reference Date for Assets in Benefits in Den Haag
As a resident of Den Haag, the reference date for assets in benefits is crucial for benefits such as rent benefit for your home in the Binckhorst or healthcare benefit. The Tax Authorities check your assets on 1 January of the benefit year. If you exceed the limit, you will receive no or reduced benefit. This article provides The Hague residents with explanations, practical examples and tips, including local advice from Juridisch Loket Den Haag.
What does the reference date mean for benefits in Den Haag?
The reference date is the snapshot on which the Tax Authorities assess your savings, investments and other assets minus debts. This determines your entitlement to income-dependent benefits. For most The Hague households, 1 January applies as the reference date each year. In case of changes, you can request a recalculation, but exceeding the limit often means repayment.
Legal rules for the asset reference date
The General Act on Income-Dependent Arrangements (Awir), Rent Benefit Act, Healthcare Benefit Act and Childcare Act form the basis. Key articles:
- Awir art. 6: Reference date is 1 January, assets defined.
- Awir art. 26: Limits and calculation method.
- Benefits Act art. 19: Report changes within 8 weeks.
In 2024: € 33,748 for singles, € 67,496 for partners. For 2025: € 37,395 and € 74,790 (provisional). This is especially relevant for The Hague residents with a home via Gemeente Den Haag.
Benefits with asset checks in Den Haag
Child benefit and child-related budget ignore assets. These are subject to checks:
| Benefit | Reference Date | 2024 Limit (single) |
|---|---|---|
| Rent benefit (e.g. Zuiderpark) | 1 January | € 33,748 |
| Healthcare benefit | 1 January | € 33,748 |
| Childcare benefit | 1 January | € 33,748 |
Student parents in Den Haag benefit from more lenient rules for childcare.
Calculating assets on the reference date
Assets minus debts are included, such as:
- Savings accounts and fixed-term deposits.
- Stocks, crypto and investments.
- Second home net (market value minus mortgage).
- Business capital for self-employed in Den Haag city centre.
Exceptions:
- Primary residence with mortgage.
- UI benefit or student loan.
- Everyday car.
| Counts | Does not count |
|---|---|
| Savings: € 40,000 | Primary residence |
| Stocks: € 10,000 | Student loan |
| Chalet: € 20,000 net | Car < € 5,000 |
Examples from The Hague practice
Example 1: Marieke from Schilderswijk has € 35,000 in savings on 1 January 2024. Rent benefit application rejected (over € 33,748). After borrowing € 5,000 to pay off debts, it drops to € 30,000: benefit granted.
Example 2: Couple from Segbroek with € 70,000 combined: no healthcare benefit. Gifting € 3,500 to family before 1 January brings them under the partners limit.
Example 3: Student Tim from Haagse Hogeschool saves € 20,000 inheritance. For childcare benefit, he can claim exemption with proof of studies.
Rights and obligations
Rights for The Hague residents:
- Appeal within 6 weeks to Rechtbank Den Haag.
- Provisional benefit if assets later decrease.
- Access to Mijn Toeslagen portal.
Obligations:
- Report changes within 8 weeks.
- Provide accurate information on application.
- Repay any overpayment.
Frequently asked questions
May I gift savings before the reference date?
Yes, but Tax Authorities may deem it a 'shift' (Awir art. 26(3)). Prove permanence with documentation.
Assets drop after 1 January?
Reference date applies for the whole year, but report changes for recalculation or provisional payment.
Partners in Den Haag?
Joint assets for tax partners; sometimes ex-partner too.
Deduct debts?
Yes, with proof such as loan agreements. Student debts often exempt.
Tips for residents of Den Haag
- Prepare: Check end of December and arrange legally (e.g. pay off debts).
- Calculator tool: Try the tool on toeslagen.nl.
- Local advice: Call free Juridisch Loket Den Haag (070-353 10 10) or check Gemeente Den Haag for rent checks.
- Appeal: File with Rechtbank Den Haag for help with benefit issues.