Wealth Accumulation Period for Social Assistance: How Long Does It Last?

The wealth accumulation period is a rule under the Social Assistance and Employment Act (Wet werk en bijstand (WWB)) that gives applicants for social assistance respite. Normally, assets must remain below the asset threshold, but during the accumulation period, they may exceed this. In 2024, for single persons, a period of 2 months (or 4 weeks upon re-application) applies, during which savings or possessions do not immediately count. This provides time to spend assets on necessary matters such as debt repayment or maintenance. Article 41 paragraph 2 WWB regulates this exception. For married persons or cohabitants, a longer period of 6 months applies upon first application. Exceeding it leads to rejection or termination. Municipalities check strictly: keep receipts of expenditures. Examples: sale of a car counts as income, unless within the accumulation period. Consult the Participation Act for current changes. Tips: document expenditures and apply for exemption in special circumstances such as illness. This regulation prevents people from having to deplete all assets before receiving social assistance. Check your situation with the municipality for personal advice.