Terug naar Encyclopedie
Sociale Zekerheid

Participation Act Utrecht: conditions for benefits

The Participation Act in Utrecht: conditions, benefits and participation support. Discover requirements for income, assets and work in the municipality of Utrecht.

3 min leestijd

Participation Act Utrecht: conditions for a benefit

In Utrecht, the **Participation Act** regulates the conditions for a **social assistance benefit**. Learn about the requirements, your rights and obligations, and how to qualify through the municipality of Utrecht.

The **Participation Act** (since 2015) has replaced the **Work and Assistance Act (WWB)** and determines when you are entitled to financial support in Utrecht if you cannot (fully) work. The municipality of Utrecht provides **activating support** to find or retain work. Whether you qualify depends on income, assets, age and work capacity. Contact Werkplein Utrecht for advice.

What does the Participation Act entail for Utrecht?

The **Participation Act** provides temporary income support in Utrecht for those who cannot work. The aim: to help you **quickly and sustainably** into work through:

  • **Social assistance benefit** for those not receiving unemployment benefit (WW), disability insurance (WIA) or state pension (AOW).
  • **Participation benefit** for those with disabilities who can work with adaptations.
  • **Activation** such as job application guidance, training or job coaching by Werkplein Utrecht.
The law is contained in **Book 10 of the Civil Code** and the **Participation Act** (Bulletin of Acts and Decrees 2014, 387). In Utrecht, the municipality manages this decentrally.

Benefits under the Participation Act in Utrecht

The municipality of Utrecht has two main types:

Type of benefitTarget groupAmount (2024, Utrecht)
Social assistance benefitResidents without other benefits who can work limitedly.€1,200-€1,600/month for single persons (depending on rent and income).
Participation Act benefitPersons with work limitations who can work with assistance.€1,400-€1,900/month, incl. wage cost subsidy.

Conditions for a benefit in Utrecht

The municipality of Utrecht applies strict **personal** and **financial conditions**.

1. Personal conditions

You must meet these requirements:

  • Age: From 18 years old. Young people 18-27 must first seek work or study via Jongerenloket Utrecht.
  • Place of residence: Registered in Utrecht (BRP).
  • Work capacity:
    • **Social assistance**: Max. 12 hours/week work with low income.
    • **Participation**: Partial work with support.
  • No other benefits: No unemployment benefit (WW), disability insurance (WIA), state pension (AOW) or partner supplement.

2. Financial conditions

Utrecht calculates with:

  • Income:
    • Gross income below the norm. Social assistance: up to €110/month (2024) without reduction.
    • Partner's income counts (50%).
  • Assets: Max. €7,575 (single, 2024); savings above this amount count negatively.
  • Housing costs: Rent up to €800 (Utrecht norm) is reimbursed; own contribution mandatory.

Application with the municipality of Utrecht

Submit your application via Werkplein Utrecht (Kanaleneilandlaan 208). Supporting documents: ID, payslips, rental agreement, bank statements. Decision within 8 weeks. Objection? To the District Court of Midden-Nederland, Vrouwe Justitiaplein 1, Utrecht.

Help in Utrecht

  • Juridisch Loket Utrecht: Catharijnesingel 55, free advice.
  • Municipality of Utrecht: 14 030 or utrecht.nl/werk-en-inkomen.

Check your entitlement to social assistance in Utrecht: call Werkplein or use the online calculator!