Municipal Regulations Alongside the Participation Act in Amsterdam

In Amsterdam, municipal regulations alongside the Participation Act provide supplementary support through the Amsterdam Participation Act Ordinance. This includes the individual income supplement for long-term benefit recipients (maximum 3 years, €279 per month in 2024), minimum benefits for asylum permit holders with residence status, and exceptional assistance for one-off costs such as funeral expenses (€802) or a new pair of glasses. In addition, Amsterdam offers 'Everyone Assistance' for non-insured persons and advances in cases of acute need, such as rent arrears in the social housing sector. Specific to Amsterdam are the participation budgets for job seekers in neighbourhood teams, extra subsidies for training via the Work-Learning Offer and the bicycle budget for commuters to work experience placements. All regulations are tested against 'necessity' and 'reasonableness' in accordance with the Amsterdam General Municipal By-law (APV). Applications are submitted at a Werkplein Amsterdam, neighbourhood team or counter with proof of income and invoices. In case of rejection, you can lodge an objection with the municipality within 6 weeks. This policy discretion aligns with Amsterdam's focus on inclusive participation in a diverse city with high rental pressure, but creates variation with other municipalities. In 2024, many supplements are indexed by 6.5%, in line with inflation. Check the website amsterdam.nl/werk-en-inkomen or the APV for current details. Stimulates innovation such as work experience placements at local businesses. National review by the Council of State ensures unity.