Participation Act Amsterdam: conditions for a benefit
In Amsterdam, the **Participation Act** regulates the conditions for a **social assistance benefit**. Learn about the requirements, your rights and obligations, and how you can claim municipal support in the Amsterdam region.
The **Participation Act** (since 2015) has replaced the **Work and Assistance Act (WWB)** and sets the rules for financial assistance if you cannot work full-time. In Amsterdam, the municipality offers an **activating approach** with a focus on work trajectories, training and job coaching. Whether you are entitled depends on income, assets, age and work capacity. Contact **Team Work & Income Amsterdam** for personal advice.
What does the Participation Act in Amsterdam entail?
The **Participation Act** provides temporary income support and helps Amsterdammers find suitable work as quickly as possible. This includes:
- **Social assistance benefit** for those who do not receive other benefits (no unemployment benefit, WIA or AOW).
- **Participation Act benefit** for people with work limitations who can work with assistance, such as jobs with wage cost subsidies.
- Activation trajectories such as the **Amsterdam Work Factory** or collaborations with UWV and employers.
Overview of benefits in Amsterdam (2024)
Under the Participation Act fall these benefits:
| Type of benefit | Target group | Amount (2024, Amsterdam) |
|---|---|---|
| Social assistance benefit | Amsterdammers without other benefits, limited work capacity. | €1,192 - €1,712 (single person, incl. holiday allowance; depending on rent and income). |
| Participation Act benefit | Persons with disability, suitable for part-time work with adjustments. | €1,400 - €1,900 (depending on capacity, living expenses and subsidies). |
Conditions for a benefit in Amsterdam
The municipality of Amsterdam applies strict **personal** and **financial conditions**.
1. Personal conditions
You must meet:
- Age: From 18 years old. Young people 18-27 must first seek work or follow training via **Youth Approach Amsterdam**.
- Place of residence: Registered in the **Personal Records Database (BRP)** with an Amsterdam municipality.
- Work capacity:
- Social assistance: Maximum **12 hours/week** work at low income.
- Participation: Partial work with support, e.g. via **Inclusive Working Amsterdam**.
- No other benefits: No unemployment benefit, WIA, AOW or partner contribution (unless exception).
2. Financial conditions
Amsterdam assesses:
- Income:
- Gross income below the **social assistance norm**. If you earn up to **€119 gross/month** (2024), the benefit remains intact.
- Partner's income is included; joint testing.
- Assets: Max. **€7,575** (single) or **€15,150** (together) as of 1-1-2024. Savings above this amount reduce the benefit.
- Housing costs: Rent up to **€898.07** (2024) is taken into account; higher rent requires special permission.
Application in Amsterdam
Submit your application via amsterdam.nl/bijstand or call **020 254 7777**. Bring ID, income details and rental agreement. In case of rejection: objection with **Team Work & Income** within 6 weeks.
- District Court Amsterdam: Parnassusweg 220, for appeal.
- Legal Aid Office Amsterdam: Vijzelstraat 77, free advice (020 237 0614).
Obligations in Amsterdam
You must cooperate in work trajectories, apply for jobs (min. 2x/week) and report changes. Non-compliance leads to reduction (up to 100%). Amsterdam offers extra help via **Social Workshops** and job coaches.