Individual Income Supplement Conditions in Amsterdam
The individual income supplement (IIT) provides assistance to Amsterdam residents with assets above the standard limit but insufficient income to cover basic needs. This scheme from the Municipality of Amsterdam offers temporary support to bridge the gap between income and expenses, without requiring you to use up all your savings. In this article, we explain the conditions, legal basis, and how it works in practice for people living in Amsterdam.
What is the Individual Income Supplement in Amsterdam?
The individual income supplement falls under social assistance as outlined in the Participation Act and is specifically for households in Amsterdam that do not qualify for regular assistance due to assets exceeding the limit, even though they face financial hardship. Unlike standard assistance, which has a strict assets threshold, the IIT allows for more flexibility. The Municipality of Amsterdam reviews each case individually, for example, if the assets come from long-term savings or an inheritance, rather than current earnings.
This measure promotes self-reliance: you don't have to spend everything before getting help. It acts as a safety net during income drops, such as early retirement or illness, while preserving your reserves for unexpected situations in the vibrant city of Amsterdam.
Legal Basis
The individual income supplement is regulated in the Participation Act (Pw), particularly in Article 18 and subsequent articles. Article 18(1) Pw states that assistance is available to those who cannot provide for themselves. For the IIT, there is an exception to the assets limit in Article 31 Pw, which is normally €7,575 for single individuals or €15,020 for couples in 2023.
The law gives municipalities, including the Municipality of Amsterdam, flexibility through the General Administrative Order (AMvB) and their own regulations. The ministerial regulation 'Individual Income Supplement' (State Gazette 2015, 191) provides assessment guidelines. Crucially, the supplement is temporary and linked to a plan for improving income or using assets. For advice on applying in Amsterdam, contact the Legal Aid Office in Amsterdam.
European case law, such as from the European Court of Human Rights, emphasizes that assets rules must be proportionate and not cause undue hardship (see case Loffredo v. Italy).
Conditions for Approval in Amsterdam
For approval of the individual income supplement by the Municipality of Amsterdam, certain requirements apply, assessed on a case-by-case basis. Here are the key points:
- Residency and residence rights: You must live in Amsterdam and have valid residence rights (Article 7 Pw).
- Income situation: Your net income is below the assistance norm but not zero. The supplement brings it up to the required level, after deducting a contribution from your assets.
- Assets: Your savings exceed the norm but remain 'reasonable' for your circumstances: often €30,000–€50,000 for a single person in Amsterdam, depending on local guidelines. Exceptions apply for your own home or business capital.
- Work capability: If you are under the state pension age, you must participate in reintegration efforts (Article 9 Pw). This does not apply if you are over 65.
- No other assistance: You do not qualify for standard assistance, state pension, or other coverage.
- Temporariness: Maximum of 6 months, extendable to 2 years with a solid plan (Article 18(3) Pw).
The Municipality of Amsterdam checks for self-reliance: have you sought work or addressed debts? Submit evidence such as bank statements and pay slips with your application.
Comparison with Regular Assistance
| Aspect | Regular Assistance | Individual Income Supplement |
|---|---|---|
| Assets Limit | Strict: €7,575 (2023) | Flexible: higher, assessed per case in Amsterdam |
| Duration | Indefinite, subject to conditions | Temporary: maximum 2 years |
| Assessment | Standard procedure | Individual, with a plan via the Municipality of Amsterdam |
| Target Group | Low income and assets | Low income, higher assets |
Practical Examples in Amsterdam
Take Mr. Jansen, 62 years old, with a modest pension of €1,200 net per month in Amsterdam. His norm is €1,300. With €40,000 in savings from an inheritance, he does not qualify for regular assistance. The Municipality of Amsterdam approves an IIT of €100 monthly for 6 months, on the condition of a plan for additional income, such as part-time work in the city. It is extended after evaluating his efforts.
Another case: Mrs. De Vries, a 70-year-old widow in Amsterdam-Zuid, with €25,000 in the bank and a state pension of €1,100 (norm €1,200). The Municipality of Amsterdam grants IIT because her reserves are reasonable and she has no alternatives. Given her age, she is not required to seek employment.
In Amsterdam's practice, applications are often denied for extremely high assets, such as €100,000 without explanation, unless tied to property like a canal house.
Rights and Obligations
Rights:
- Right to a careful assessment by the Municipality of Amsterdam (Article 3:2 General Administrative Law Act).
- Right to object and appeal if denied (Article 7:1 General Administrative Law Act; Amsterdam District Court as the first instance, Council of State for appeals).
- No repayment required if the supplement is granted lawfully.
Obligations:
- Provide information: Report any changes in income or assets immediately (Article 35 Pw).
- Cooperate with a plan: Seek work or optimize expenses in Amsterdam.
- Repay if your income increases later.
For free advice on IIT in Amsterdam, contact the Legal Aid Office in Amsterdam.
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.