Participation Act Amsterdam: calculation of the benefit

In Amsterdam, the Participation Act regulates the conditions and calculation of social assistance benefits, tailored to the high cost of living in the city. The benefit is based on the statutory minimum wage and depends on your household composition, such as single, cohabiting or with children. For a single person in Amsterdam, the standard in 2024 is €1,201.82 net per month, excluding holiday allowance and exceptional assistance. The municipality of Amsterdam often applies supplementary allowances for tenants in the social housing sector, where waiting times are long. Income from work, alimony or other sources is deducted, with an income disregard scheme of €246 per month for the first earnings. Assets exceeding the national threshold of €7,575 (single) or €15,140 (cohabiting) result in a reduction of the benefit. The Work & Income Team of the municipality checks monthly and adjusts the benefit in case of changes, taking into account Amsterdam-specific costs such as high rental prices in neighbourhoods like the Jordaan or Bijlmer. Exceptional circumstances, such as medical costs or student loans, may lead to individual adjustments. You are obliged to report changes immediately via the online portal or service point to avoid sanctions. For young people under 27, Amsterdam offers a starters scheme with lower standards, mandatory participation trajectories and support via the Young Adults Desk. This tailor-made approach stimulates activation and self-reliance in Amsterdam's dynamic labour market. Consult www.amsterdam.nl/werk-inkomen for current amounts, the social assistance calculator and local calculation tools. (248 words)