Loss of Single Parent Top-up in Rijswijk

Loss of Single Parent Top-up in Rijswijk

For residents of Rijswijk, the loss of the single parent top-up can be an unexpected financial setback. This happens when a single parent loses the extra allowance increase – the 'top-up' – due to a change in living circumstances, such as starting to cohabit. It impacts allowances like childcare allowance, healthcare allowance and child-related budget, potentially resulting in lower payments and recoveries. In this article for people in Rijswijk, we explain what it entails, when it occurs and how to respond in the area, including support from local services such as the Rijswijk Legal Aid Office.

What is the single parent top-up?

The single parent top-up provides an additional amount on top of the basic allowances for parents with young children. It offsets the extra costs borne by single parents in Rijswijk without partner support. This amounts to roughly 5% extra on childcare allowance or a fixed sum for child-related budget.

This allowance is part of the Tax Authorities' social security arrangements. Without the top-up, you could lose hundreds of euros per month, depending on income and number of children – vital for Rijswijk households.

Legal basis

The single parent top-up is governed by the Allowances Act (Tw). Key provisions:

• Article 1, paragraph 1 Tw: Defines 'single parent' as a carer without a tax allowance partner.
• Article 26 Tw: Extra increase for childcare allowance for single parents.
• Article 51 Tw: Additional child-related budget for single parents.
• Article 32 Awb: Covers changes and recoveries in cases of loss of single parent top-up.

In Rijswijk, you qualify as a single parent without a tax allowance partner on 1 January or following a change. A tax allowance partner includes fiscal partnership, such as cohabitation in a shared household.

When does loss of single parent top-up occur in Rijswijk?

Loss occurs when eligibility conditions are no longer met, typically due to:

• Cohabitation: A durable relationship with a partner, assessed based on facts like a shared address in Rijswijk, joint bank accounts and expenses.
• Partner's income change: Partner exceeds income threshold, resulting in fiscal partnership.
• Child leaves: Child no longer lives with you in Rijswijk.
• Relationship reconciliation: Ex-partner returns.

Report changes immediately via Mijn Toeslagen and update your address with the Rijswijk Municipality. Failure to do so may lead to recovery and fines.

Real-life examples from Rijswijk

Example 1: Cohabitation in Rijswijk

Marieke from Rijswijk, a single mother with two children, receives €300 childcare allowance including €50 top-up. Upon cohabiting with Tom on 1 July, she loses the top-up; allowance drops to €250. After address update with the Rijswijk Municipality, the Tax Authorities adjust and recover €150 for prior months.

Example 2: Informal relationship

Ahmed from Rijswijk lives alone with his daughter and receives healthcare allowance with a €25 top-up. His girlfriend frequently stays over and shares meals. Following an investigation (e.g., neighbour tip-off), the Tax Authorities determine a shared household: loss of single parent top-up with €600 recovery over six months.

Example 3: Temporary stay

Lisa's ex moves in with her temporarily in Rijswijk. Without reporting, she loses €117 monthly child-related budget top-up. Objection succeeds with evidence (emails, witnesses) proving temporariness.

Rights and obligations in case of loss of single parent top-up

Rights:

• File objection within 6 weeks (art. 6:3 Awb) with the Tax Authorities; appeal to the Rijswijk District Court.
• Request a trial calculation.
• Demand a hearing in complex cases.
• Apply for interim relief to maintain allowance during proceedings.
• Seek free advice from the Rijswijk Legal Aid Office.

Obligations:

1. Report changes within 8 weeks.
2. Provide evidence (Rijswijk Municipality rental contract, bank statements).
3. Pay recoveries or request deferral.

Possibly also of interest for Rijswijk

• Allowances and cohabitation in Rijswijk
• Objection to allowance decision
• Fiscal partnership

Frequently asked questions