Year-End Benefit in Amsterdam: When Does the Minimum Wage Exclusion Apply?

**Year-End Benefit in Amsterdam: What Does the Minimum Wage Exclusion Mean?** In Amsterdam, as in the rest of the Netherlands, an important rule also applies to the year-end benefit: if you receive the **statutory minimum wage** or less, you may under certain circumstances **not** be eligible for the year-end benefit. This rule is laid down in the **Year-End Benefit Act** and can have consequences for many Amsterdam residents with a low income. What does this mean exactly for residents of Amsterdam? And where can you go for help? --- ### **When Does the Minimum Wage Exclusion Apply in Amsterdam?** The minimum wage exclusion applies if you are **fully or partially** dependent on a benefit or income below the statutory minimum wage. This may be the case, for example, with: - **Social assistance (social assistance benefit)** from the **Municipality of Amsterdam** (via [Social Affairs Amsterdam](https://www.amsterdam.nl/socialezaken/)). - **Unemployment benefit (WW)** or **special assistance** below the minimum wage. - **Benefits** such as **rent allowance** or **child-related budget** (if your income is too low). **Important:** Even if you have a **part-time job** and your total income remains below the minimum wage, you may not be eligible for the year-end benefit. --- ### **What Do You Do If You Fall Below the Minimum Wage in Amsterdam?** If you qualify for the exclusion, this does **not** mean you automatically get nothing. There are ways to still receive financial support, such as: 1. **One-off social assistance scheme** from the **Municipality of Amsterdam** - Ask [Social Affairs Amsterdam](https://www.amsterdam.nl/socialezaken/) if you qualify for an **extra allowance** outside the regular year-end benefit. - Important: This is not automatic; you must actively apply. 2. **Help with applying for benefits** - Check if you are entitled to **extra benefits** (e.g. **energy allowance** or **healthcare allowance**) via [Toeslagen.nl](https://www.toeslagen.nl/). - The **Legal Counter Amsterdam** (Vijzelstraat 77) can help you fill out forms. 3. **Amsterdam District Court for disputes** - If you think you have been wrongly denied the year-end benefit, you can **object** with the **Municipality of Amsterdam** or **file a complaint** with the **Amsterdam District Court** (Parnassusweg 220). - The **Legal Counter** offers free legal assistance with filing objections. --- ### **Where Can You Go in Amsterdam?** - **Municipality of Amsterdam (Social Affairs)** 📍 [Website](https://www.amsterdam.nl/socialezaken/) 📞 020 – 252 2222 *For questions about social assistance, benefits, and extra allowances.* - **Legal Counter Amsterdam** 📍 Vijzelstraat 77, 1017 HK Amsterdam 📞 020 – 523 1313 *Free legal advice on benefits, objections, and complaints.* - **Amsterdam District Court** 📍 Parnassusweg 220, 1066 CX Amsterdam 📞 020 – 550 2222 *For formal disputes about benefits.* --- ### **Conclusion: Check Your Situation and Seek Help** If you fall below the minimum wage in Amsterdam, that does not mean you get nothing at all. **Take action:** ✅ **Ask Social Affairs Amsterdam** about options. ✅ **Use the Legal Counter** for legal help. ✅ **Check toeslagen.nl** for extra support. **Note:** Application deadlines often run in November/December. Be on time! --- **Questions?** Ask them in the comments or visit the **Legal Counter Amsterdam** for personal advice.