Wealth Accumulation Period for Welfare in Delft: How Long Does It Last?

The wealth accumulation period is an important provision from the Participation Act (formerly WWB) that offers respite to welfare applicants in Delft. Normally, your assets must remain below the asset threshold to qualify for welfare, but during this accumulation period, savings may temporarily be higher. In Delft, as elsewhere in the Netherlands, in 2024 for single persons there is a period of 2 months (or 4 weeks upon reapplication) in which assets such as savings do not immediately count. This gives Delft residents the opportunity to spend assets on urgent matters, such as paying off debts or home maintenance in the historic city center. Article 41 paragraph 2 of the Participation Act explicitly regulates this exception. For married couples or cohabitants in Delft, the period is longer: 6 months for a first application. If you exceed the period, the municipality of Delft will reject your application or terminate the welfare. The Social Affairs and Employment Service (DSZW) of Delft checks strictly and advises to keep receipts and invoices for expenditures. Example: the sale of a bicycle or car counts as income, unless it occurs within the accumulation period. In Delft, where rental prices in neighborhoods such as the Binnenwatersloot or Poptahof can be high, this provision helps to not spend everything. Unique local tip: in special situations such as illness or studying children, apply for an exemption at the Delft participation counter. Document all expenditures carefully and check the current rules on delft.nl for personal advice from a consultant.