Deducting Maintenance from Social Assistance Benefits in Den Haag
In Den Haag, maintenance is deducted from social assistance benefits to prevent double support. The Municipality of Den Haag subtracts any received maintenance, ensuring social assistance only tops up what you earn or receive yourself. This is essential for Den Haag residents facing financial hardship who apply for social assistance.
What Does Deducting Maintenance from Social Assistance Mean in Den Haag?
Under Dutch family law and social security law, maintenance significantly impacts social assistance benefits. Maintenance includes contributions from an ex-partner or parent for living expenses, such as spousal or child maintenance. When applying to the Municipality of Den Haag under the Participation Act, you must report all income, including maintenance. The municipality reduces the benefit accordingly, making social assistance a true safety net.
This mechanism ensures a fair allocation of resources. Without deductions, residents would receive more than necessary, burdening the Den Haag community. Divorced parents in Den Haag with children feel this particularly, as child maintenance affects household finances.
Legal Basis
The rules are set out in the Participation Act (Pw), effective since 1 January 2015. Key provisions:
- Article 31 Pw: Maintenance counts as income—both spousal and child maintenance—in the income and assets test.
- Article 18 Pw: Social assistance tops up to the social minimum after deducting income such as maintenance.
- Article 65 Pw: Child maintenance is treated as child income but factored into household social assistance with an exemption to protect children.
References to the Financial Supervision Act and Civil Code Book 1 (art. 157 et seq.) also apply. Case law from the Central Appeals Tribunal stresses that unpaid maintenance requires proof of collection efforts.
How Does the Deduction Process Work at the Municipality of Den Haag?
Begin with your social assistance application at the Municipality of Den Haag. Declare maintenance from agreements or court orders. The calculation:
- Social minimum for your household (e.g., €1,200 net for a single parent with one child in Den Haag).
- Deduct income, including maintenance.
- Social assistance brings it up to the minimum.
Spousal maintenance counts in full; child maintenance partially (often 50-70% as household income, with the rest exempt). This varies by case.
Example 1 Den Haag: As a single mother with one child receiving €400 child maintenance. Without other income: €1,100 social assistance. After €200 deduction: €900 social assistance. Total €1,300, matching the minimum.
Example 2 Den Haag: Divorced father paying €300 spousal maintenance gets €700 social assistance instead of €1,000. Can't pay? Report it and show collection efforts via bailiff.
Rights and Obligations Regarding Deductions in Den Haag
Rights:
- Only actually received maintenance counts; potential income does not.
- Object within 6 weeks to the Municipality of Den Haag, then appeal to the District Court of Den Haag.
- Children protected: no poverty due to deductions. Apply for allowances via the Tax Office or seek advice at the Juridisch Loket Den Haag.
Obligations:
- Report all maintenance and changes (art. 47 Pw); failure leads to recovery or fines.
- Keep proof such as bank statements.
- Collect unpaid maintenance, or face sanctions.
Comparison: Spousal vs. Child Maintenance in Den Haag
| Aspect | Spousal Maintenance | Child Maintenance |
|---|---|---|
| Deduction | Fully as recipient income | Partially, after child exemption |
| Legal Exemption | None | Yes, typically 30-50% for child |
| Impact on Social Assistance | Direct reduction | Household level, with child allowance |
Veelgestelde vragen
Wat is mijn retourrecht?
Bij online aankopen heb je 14 dagen retourrecht zonder opgaaf van reden, tenzij de wettelijke uitzonderingen gelden.
Hoe lang geldt de wettelijke garantie?
Goederen moeten minimaal 2 jaar meewerken. Defecten die binnen 6 maanden ontstaan worden verondersteld al aanwezig te zijn.
Kan ik rente eisen over schulden?
Ja, je kunt wettelijke rente eisen (momenteel ongeveer 8% per jaar) over het openstaande bedrag.
Wat kan ik doen tegen oneerlijke handelspraktijken?
Je kunt klacht indienen bij de consumentenbond, de overheid of naar de rechter gaan.
Wat is een kredietovereenkomst?
Een kredietovereenkomst regelt hoe je geld leent, wat de rente is, en hoe je dit terugbetaalt.