Individual Income Supplement Conditions in Delft
The individual income supplement (IIS) provides assistance to residents of Delft with assets above the standard limit but insufficient income to cover basic needs. This supplement from the Municipality of Delft offers temporary support to bridge the gap between income and expenses without requiring all savings to be depleted. In this article, we explain the conditions, legal basis, and tips specifically for households in Delft.
What is the Individual Income Supplement in Delft?
The IIS falls under the social assistance provisions of the Participation Act and is designed for Delft households that do not qualify for standard assistance due to excess assets, yet still face financial hardship. Unlike regular assistance, which adheres to a strict asset threshold, the IIS allows for more flexibility. The Municipality of Delft evaluates each case individually, for example, if the assets stem from long-term savings or an inheritance rather than current income.
This measure promotes self-reliance: you don't have to exhaust all your reserves to receive help. It acts as a buffer during reduced income, such as early retirement or illness, while keeping your savings available for unexpected situations in Delft.
Legal Basis
The individual income supplement is regulated under the Participation Act (PA), particularly in Article 18 and beyond. Article 18(1) PA states that assistance is provided to those who cannot provide for their own livelihood. For the IIS, there is an exception to the asset threshold in Article 31 PA, normally €7,575 for single individuals or €15,020 for couples in 2023.
The law grants municipalities like Delft policy discretion through the General Administrative Order and local regulations. The ministerial regulation 'Individual Income Supplement' (State Gazette 2015, 191) provides assessment guidelines. The supplement is temporary and depends on a plan to increase income or utilize assets. In Delft, you can seek explanations about these rules at the Legal Aid Office in Delft.
European case law, such as from the European Court of Human Rights, requires that asset checks be proportionate and avoid unnecessary hardship (see case Loffredo v. Italy).
Conditions for Approval in Delft
For the IIS in Delft, conditions are assessed on a case-by-case basis by the Municipality of Delft. They are flexible, but here are the key points:
- Residency and residency rights: You must reside in Delft with valid residency rights (Article 7 PA).
- Income situation: Your net income is below the assistance norm but not zero. The supplement brings it up to level, after deducting a contribution from your assets.
- Assets: Your savings exceed the norm but remain 'acceptable.' In Delft, this often ranges from €30,000–€50,000 for a single person, depending on circumstances. Exceptions apply for your own home or business capital.
- Work capability: If under the state pension age, you must participate in reintegration efforts (Article 9 PA). This does not apply if you are over 65.
- No other assistance: You are not eligible for standard assistance, state pension, or coverage by other benefits.
- Temporality: Maximum of 6 months, extendable up to 2 years with a solid plan (Article 18(3) PA).
The Municipality of Delft checks for personal effort: have you applied for jobs or addressed debts? Provide evidence such as bank statements and pay slips.
Comparison with Regular Assistance in Delft
| Aspect | Regular Assistance | Individual Income Supplement |
|---|---|---|
| Asset Threshold | Strict: €7,575 (2023) | Flexible: higher, assessed case by case in Delft |
| Duration | Indefinite if conditions met | Temporary: max. 2 years |
| Assessment | Standard via Municipality of Delft | Personal, with action plan |
| Target Group | Low income and assets | Low income, reasonable assets |
Practical Examples from Delft
Take Mr. Van der Meer, a 62-year-old engineer from Delft with a net pension of €1,200 monthly. His norm is €1,300, and he has €40,000 in savings from an inheritance. Due to the high assets, he doesn't qualify for regular assistance, but the Municipality of Delft grants IIS of €100 per month for 6 months, conditional on a plan for part-time work in the local tech sector. Extension granted after six months due to his efforts.
Or Mrs. Smit, a 70-year-old widow from central Delft with €25,000 in savings and a state pension of €1,100 (norm €1,200). The Municipality of Delft approves IIS, considering her reasonable buffer and no additional income. No work requirement due to age.
In Delft, applications are often denied for extremely high assets like €100,000 without context, except if tied to real estate, such as a property in the historic center.
Rights and Obligations in Delft
Rights:
- Fair assessment by the Municipality of Delft (Article 3:2 General Administrative Law Act).
- Objection and appeal if denied (Article 7:1 General Administrative Law Act; through The Hague District Court, ultimately the Council of State).
- No repayment required if the IIS is correctly granted.
Obligations:
- Report changes in income or assets immediately (Article 35 PA).
- Follow your plan: seek employment or reduce expenses.
- Repay benefits if income increases.
For free advice in Delft, contact the Legal Aid Office in Delft. Debt counseling through the municipality can also help with broader issues.
Veelgestelde vragen
Wat is mijn retourrecht?
Bij online aankopen heb je 14 dagen retourrecht zonder opgaaf van reden, tenzij de wettelijke uitzonderingen gelden.
Hoe lang geldt de wettelijke garantie?
Goederen moeten minimaal 2 jaar meewerken. Defecten die binnen 6 maanden ontstaan worden verondersteld al aanwezig te zijn.
Kan ik rente eisen over schulden?
Ja, je kunt wettelijke rente eisen (momenteel ongeveer 8% per jaar) over het openstaande bedrag.
Wat kan ik doen tegen oneerlijke handelspraktijken?
Je kunt klacht indienen bij de consumentenbond, de overheid of naar de rechter gaan.
Wat is een kredietovereenkomst?
Een kredietovereenkomst regelt hoe je geld leent, wat de rente is, en hoe je dit terugbetaalt.