Social Assistance Norms in Amsterdam: Basis for Your Benefit
Social assistance norms form the legal minimum standards for your social assistance benefit in Amsterdam. They determine the calculation based on your household, age, and finances, taking into account the high cost of living in the city such as rent in neighborhoods like the Jordaan or Oost. These norms cover essential expenses like housing, food, and clothing. This article explains the norms for residents of Amsterdam, with current amounts for 2024 and tips for applying to the City of Amsterdam.
What Do Social Assistance Norms Mean for Residents of Amsterdam?
The social assistance norm is the amount the government considers appropriate for a decent standard of living in the Netherlands, including Amsterdam. It varies by personal circumstances and covers basic living costs, with annual adjustments for inflation and wages. If your income and savings fall below it, you can apply for social assistance from the City of Amsterdam to top up to the norm.
Note: Norms apply from age 21. Those under 21 often need to live with parents. This builds on our article about the social assistance benefit amount in 2024.
Legal Basis of Social Assistance Norms
Laid down in the Participation Act (Pw), particularly Article 6 Pw and Annex 1 to the Pw, the norms are specified per household type. The law guarantees a 'sufficient subsistence minimum' for participants.
- Article 6 Pw: Norm for clothing, shoes, housing, and fixed costs.
- Article 31 Pw: Benefit = norm minus own income and assets.
- Indexation: Via Article 76 Pw, annually from January 1 based on price increases.
The Minister of SZW publishes the norms in the Staatscourant, applicable nationwide including Amsterdam.
Social Assistance Norm Amounts 2024 for Amsterdam
From January 1, 2024, these indexed net monthly amounts apply (excluding 5% holiday allowance and one-off supplements). In Amsterdam, high rents may justify special assistance.
| Household Type | Norm 2024 (net p.m.) |
|---|---|
| Single Person | € 1.359,17 |
| Single Parent | € 1.923,99 |
| Married Couple / Cohabitants | € 1.923,99 |
| Single Person Aged 65+ | € 1.359,17 |
| Per Child (0-17 Years) | € 309,25 to € 500,20 |
See Annex 1 Pw for details. Norm may decrease if living with others.
Conditions for Social Assistance Norm in Amsterdam
Entitlement to social assistance requires Article 7 Pw:
- Aged 21 or older.
- Lawful residence in the Netherlands.
- Insufficient income/assets (Article 31 Pw).
- Willingness to work (exception for illness).
- No luxury housing.
The City of Amsterdam verifies and pays out up to the norm minus own resources.
Rights and Obligations for Social Assistance in Amsterdam
Rights
- Full norm if no income.
- Indexation plus holiday pay (June).
- Objection to City of Amsterdam, appeal to District Court of Amsterdam (Awb).
Obligations
- Job search and report changes within 8 days (Article 60 Pw).
- No hidden income.
- Follow reintegration.
Breach: Reduction up to 100% or termination.
Examples of Social Assistance Norms in Amsterdam
Example 1: Lisa, 45-year-old single in De Pijp, no income: norm €1,359.17. With €200 job: €1,159.17 benefit.
Example 2: Fatima and partner with kids (5 and 10) in Bijlmer: €1,923.99 + €309.25 + €422.62 = €2,655.86. Savings > €7,575 must be used first.
Example 3: Post-divorce: from couple €1,923.99 to single €1,359.17; report to City of Amsterdam.
FAQ on Social Assistance Norms in Amsterdam
Can I get allowances alongside the social assistance norm?
Yes, rent, healthcare, or childcare allowances from the Tax Authorities do not count as income.
Income above the norm?
No benefit. Variable income: average over 3 months.
Differences per municipality like Amsterdam?
Norms are national, but City of Amsterdam offers extra special assistance for one-off costs, e.g., high energy bills.
How often adjusted?
Annually from January 1 based on price developments.
Need advice? Call Legal Aid Office Amsterdam or check City of Amsterdam.