Benefit Standards in Delft: the Basis for Your Benefit
Benefit standards form the statutory minimum standards for your social assistance benefit from the Municipality of Delft. They determine the amount of your benefit based on your household, age, and finances in Delft. These amounts cover essential costs such as rent in the city, groceries, and clothing. In this article, we explain the standards, with the current amounts for 2024 and tips for residents of Delft.
What Do Benefit Standards Mean for Residents of Delft?
The benefit standard is the amount the government considers appropriate for a decent standard of living in the Netherlands, including Delft. It varies by personal circumstances and covers daily living expenses. The standard is indexed annually based on inflation and wages. If your income or savings fall below it, apply for social assistance from the Municipality of Delft to top up to the standard.
Note: the standard applies from age 21. Those under 21 often need to live with parents. This article builds on our guide to the benefit amounts in 2024, with a Delft perspective.
Legal Basis for Benefit Standards
The standards are set out in the Participation Act (Pw), particularly Article 6 Pw and Annex 1 to the Pw. They guarantee a 'sufficient subsistence minimum' for applicants in Delft.
- Article 6 Pw: Amount for clothing, shoes, housing, and fixed costs.
- Article 31 Pw: Benefit = standard minus own income and assets.
- Indexation: Via Article 76 Pw as of 1 January, aligned with price increases.
The Minister of SZW publishes the standards in the Staatscourant; the Municipality of Delft applies them.
Benefit Standard Amounts 2024 in Delft
As of 1 January 2024, these indexed net monthly amounts apply (excluding 5% holiday allowance and one-off supplements). Specific to households in Delft:
| Household Type | Standard 2024 (net p.m.) |
|---|---|
| Single person | € 1.359,17 |
| Single parent | € 1.923,99 |
| Couple / cohabitants | € 1.923,99 |
| Single 65+ | € 1.359,17 |
| Per child (0-17 years) | € 309,25 to € 500,20 |
Check Annex 1 Pw for details. In Delft, the standard may be lower if living with others.
Conditions for Benefits in Delft
Entitlement to benefits under Article 7 Pw, assessed by the Municipality of Delft:
- Age 21 or older.
- Lawful residence in the Netherlands, living in Delft.
- Insufficient income/assets (Article 31 Pw).
- Willing to work, unless exempt (e.g., illness).
- No unnecessarily expensive or luxurious housing.
The Municipality of Delft calculates your benefit up to the standard minus your own resources.
Rights and Obligations for Benefits in Delft
Rights
- Full standard if no income.
- Indexation plus holiday allowance (June).
- Objection and appeal via Awb, possibly to the District Court of The Hague.
Obligations
- Register as job seeker with Municipality of Delft and report changes within 8 days (Article 60 Pw).
- No fraud with income or assets.
- Participate in reintegration.
Breach may lead to reduction or termination by the municipality.
Delft Practice Examples
Example 1: Marie (45, single, Delft) without a job: standard €1,359.17. With €200 part-time income: €1,159.17 benefit.
Example 2: Ahmed and partner with two children (5 and 10) in Delft: €1,923.99 + €309.25 + €422.62 = €2,655.86. Use up savings above €7,575 first.
Example 3: After divorce in Delft: standard drops from €1,923.99 (couple) to €1,359.17 (single); report immediately to the municipality.
FAQ on Benefit Standards in Delft
Can I get allowances alongside benefits in Delft?
Yes, the standard covers basics, but rent, healthcare, or childcare allowances from the Tax Authorities do not count as income.
Does income exceed the standard?
No benefit. For variable income (freelance), the Municipality of Delft uses a 3-month average.
Do standards differ by municipality like Delft?
No, they are nationwide. The Municipality of Delft does offer discretionary assistance for one-off expenses. Consult the Legal Aid Desk Delft for advice.
How often do standards change?
Annually as of 1 January, based on price developments.