Participation Act Amsterdam: transition from WWB and local changes

In Amsterdam, the Participation Act replaced the Work and Assistance Act (WWB) as of 1 January 2015, with specific transitional law for existing benefits at the Municipality of Amsterdam. WWB recipients in Amsterdam retained their rights until reassessment by the Amsterdam Work and Income team, but had to comply with stricter participation requirements such as mandatory job application trajectories via Werk.nl. For young people (18-27), the 'guarantee act' applies: maximum 2 years of benefit without work, followed by intensive trajectories at local learn-work companies such as Werkse Amsterdam. Asset limits were tightened to €7,575 for single persons (2024), and the one-off asset designation was abolished. The Municipality of Amsterdam gained more freedom in activation measures, such as the successful 'Amsterdam Approach' with tailor-made solutions for those over 40 and status holders. Changes since then: in 2020, standard increase due to inflation with extra Amsterdam supplement for those on minimum income; 2023 extension of the starters scheme for young professionals in the city. Wajong recipients in Amsterdam are integrated via Participation Act benefit with wage supplementation via UWV and municipality. Transition from WW to Participation Act requires notification to UWV and referral to Amsterdam work desks. Older schemes such as IoW have been absorbed into broader Amsterdam reintegration trajectories. Check your status via Werk.nl or the portal of the Municipality of Amsterdam. This transition reduced the number of benefit recipients in Amsterdam by 25% due to stricter testing and local job pools. For personal advice: contact Work and Income Amsterdam or the SVB. Local context helps in understanding ongoing matters in the capital. (248 words)