Participation Act: overview of minimum schemes for Amsterdam
In Amsterdam, the Participation Act includes various minimum schemes for people on low incomes. From collective allowances to exemptions on municipal taxes, specifically tailored to the needs of Amsterdammers.
Main schemes in Amsterdam
The Participation Act regulates social assistance and special assistance for people on low incomes in Amsterdam. In addition to emergency compensations, the city offers extras such as the Amsterdam income supplement, compensation for special costs (e.g. diet or care costs) and tax relief through the minimum income policy.
- OZB exemption Amsterdam: Up to 100% remission of the real estate tax for people on low incomes, depending on income and assets.
- Collective schemes Amsterdam: Free or heavily reduced public transport subscription (Amsterdam public transport compensation), swimming lessons for children and the I amsterdam City Card with discounts on museums.
- Travel cost compensation: Specific compensation for job seekers in the region, via the UWV or the municipality.
- Extra Amsterdam schemes: Budget for school supplies, special assistance for funerals and the special costs scheme for medical aids.
Access and application in Amsterdam
Check the website of the Municipality of Amsterdam for current local variants and conditions. With a social assistance benefit, automatic granting of many schemes is possible via the Work & Income Team. This minimum income policy effectively helps Amsterdammers in poverty alleviation, with broader support than just emergency aid, including prevention programmes such as the Poverty and Debt Programme.