If you are going to live together in Utrecht, this can affect your benefits. Your partner may become your benefit partner, with your incomes and assets being calculated together.
What Does Benefit Partner Mean?
According to the Tax Authorities, you are a benefit partner if you meet one of these criteria:
- You are married or have a registered partnership
- You live together and have a joint child
- You have a cohabitation agreement
- You are each other's pension partner
- You are joint owners of your home in Utrecht
- You are registered at the same address with a minor child of one of you
Impact on Your Benefits
| Element | Effect |
|---|---|
| Income | Both incomes are added together |
| Assets | Both assets are taken into account (with an increased threshold) |
| Healthcare benefit | One joint benefit (often higher) |
| Rent benefit | One benefit for you both |
| Child-related budget | No longer eligible for single parent benefit |
What Do You Need to Arrange?
If you are going to live together in Utrecht, report this to the Tax Authorities within 4 weeks:
- Go to MijnToeslagen and log in
- Click on 'Report a change'
- Enter the start date of cohabitation
- Add your partner's details
Quick reporting prevents you from having to repay benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions about Cohabitation in Utrecht
We live at the same address in Utrecht, but not as a couple. Are we benefit partners?
Not necessarily. If you only share a home (for example, as housemates) and do not have a joint household, you are usually not benefit partners. The Tax Authorities assess this on a case-by-case basis.
My partner has debts. Does this affect our benefits?
Yes, your partner's debts can be offset against benefits. If this feels unfair, you can file an objection with the Tax Authorities.
Will I lose my single parent benefit by cohabiting?
Yes, as soon as you have a benefit partner, this benefit ends. This can make a significant difference in your annual budget.
Extra Help in Utrecht
Do you have questions or need help? Visit the Juridisch Loket Utrecht at Catharijnesingel 55 for free advice. For legal matters, you can also go to the District Court of Midden-Nederland, Vrouwe Justitiaplein 1.
Practical Tips
- Always check your situation via MijnToeslagen after a change.
- Take into account a possible reduction in benefits due to a higher combined income.
- Stay informed about asset thresholds via the Tax Authorities website.