Long-term low income: criteria for Delft

Long-term low income: the criteria in Delft

In Delft, you have long-term low income if your income has not exceeded 100% of the social minimum for three consecutive years. These requirements are key for benefits such as the individual income supplement through the Municipality of Delft. They support Delft residents with chronically low incomes.

What does long-term low income mean for Delft residents?

Long-term low income refers to persistent financial hardship. In the Dutch social security system, including with the Municipality of Delft, it determines access to additional assistance or supplements. It targets structural issues, not short-term dips. Strict rules ensure temporary benefits do not interfere.

For the individual income supplement (IIS), this is decisive. This one-time payment compensates for long-term low income but requires proof of three years below the threshold with the Municipality of Delft.

Legal basis

The rules for long-term low income are set out in the Participation Act, specifically Article 36, paragraph 1. Your income must not exceed the benefit norm (Article 20, paragraph 1 PA) for three consecutive years, i.e., 100% of the social minimum for your household. The Municipality of Delft strictly applies national standards.

Provisions from the General Tax Act apply to income data and the Remuneration Act to assets. Local authorities like Delft may not deviate.

• Participation Act art. 36: Three years and income threshold.
• Art. 20 PA: Social minimum (e.g., €1,201 net/month for single persons 21+ in 2024).
• Ministerial regulations: Indexed annually.

Detailed criteria for Delft

For recognition of long-term low income in Delft, you must meet various conditions. An overview follows.

1. Period: three consecutive years

Continuity is required. Exceptions for seasonal incomes are assessed case-by-case by the Municipality of Delft.

2. Threshold: maximum 100% social minimum

Your gross annual income must remain below the threshold. For 2024:

Source: SVB and Ministry of SZW, 2024. Includes salary, benefits, alimony, and partner's income.

3. Assets test

Assets must not exceed the norm (art. 34 PA): €7,575 for singles, €15,140 for fiscal partners (2024). Bank accounts, extra homes, or luxury cars are considered after deductions.

4. Age and residence

From age 21 and resident in the Netherlands, including Delft. Asylum seekers and full-time students are generally excluded.

Real-life cases from Delft

Example 1: Marieke (35, single from Delft), €1,100 net/month benefit (2021-2023), no savings. Approved for IIS of €500+ by Municipality of Delft.

Example 2: Ahmed (45, married in Delft), €1,600/month (2020-2022), but €10,000 in bank. Rejected due to excess assets.

Example 3: Flexible work: Lisa from Delft had benefit (€1,000, 2021), sick pay (€1,400, 2022), unemployment benefit (€1,100, 2023). Municipality of Delft accepts if average below threshold.

Rights and obligations in Delft

Rights:

• Free application with Municipality of Delft.
• Objection and appeal via The Hague District Court (GPA art. 7:1).
• Automatic adjustment of norms.

Obligations:

1. Submit proof: tax returns, benefit data (3 years).
2. Report current income.
3. No deception: penalty up to full supplement.

Frequently asked questions for Delft

Tips for Delft residents

• Gather documents via Mijn Belastingdienst (tax returns) and UWV (benefits).
• Self-check with SVB tool for social minimum.
• Consider special assistance as an alternative.
• Unsure? Visit Participation Act or Juridisch Loket Delft.
• Complex case? Contact support via Juridisch Loket Delft.

Related articles: Individual income supplement, Social minimum, Benefit norms.