Bbz Allowance for Living Expenses in Rijswijk
The Bbz allowance for living expenses provides self-employed individuals in Rijswijk with financial support when their business does not generate enough income to cover basic needs such as rent and food. This measure from the Besluit bijstandverlening zelfstandigen (Bbz) serves as a safety net for local entrepreneurs facing financial difficulties, without requiring them to relinquish their self-employed status. It allows them to continue their Rijswijk business while receiving a basic income through the Municipality of Rijswijk.
What Does the Bbz Allowance for Living Expenses Entail for Entrepreneurs in Rijswijk?
This Bbz allowance for living expenses covers essential costs for self-employed individuals in Rijswijk who cannot access standard social assistance. Unlike regular benefits, applicants retain their entrepreneurial status and can continue running their business. This encourages Rijswijk self-employed individuals to persevere rather than seek salaried employment.
The scheme applies to both new and established entrepreneurs in Rijswijk who are actively working to increase their income but are not yet earning enough. The benefit amount follows the social assistance norm, adjusted for household size and the Randstad context. For a single person in Rijswijk, this amounts to approximately €1,200 gross per month, without holiday pay or additional benefits.
Legal Basis
The Bbz allowance for living expenses is established in the Besluit bijstandverlening zelfstandigen 1996 (Bbz), based on the Participation Act (articles 43 et seq.). It falls under Chapter 3 of the Bbz, specifically articles 13 to 18, which allow assistance as a supplement to self-employed income.
The Participation Act consolidates earlier laws such as the Work and Assistance Act and requires the absence of alternative income sources. For self-employed individuals in Rijswijk, there is a relaxed requirement: no proof of unemployment is needed, but the business must be viable. The Municipality of Rijswijk administers the scheme, incorporating local nuances within legal limits. In case of disputes, you can appeal to the District Court in Rijswijk.
Relevant case law from the Central Appeals Board (CRvB) emphasizes that the allowance is limited and requires entrepreneurs to make a 'best effort' to optimize income (e.g., CRvB 20 December 2018, ECLI:NL:CRVB:2018:4230). The Legal Aid Office in Rijswijk can provide advice on local applications.
Conditions for Approval in Rijswijk
For a Bbz allowance for living expenses in Rijswijk, strict criteria apply:
- You are registered as a self-employed person with the Chamber of Commerce and spend at least 1,225 hours per year on your Rijswijk business (hours criterion).
- Your business income is below the social assistance norm, without other substantial income sources.
- Your business demonstrates viability, assessed through a business scan by the Municipality of Rijswijk.
- You reside in the Netherlands, particularly in Rijswijk, and meet asset rules: savings above €7,575 (for single persons in 2023) may affect eligibility.
- You are not excluded due to fraud or unresolved debts.
Applications are submitted to the Municipality of Rijswijk, including an intake process and possibly external advice.
Rights and Obligations
As a recipient in Rijswijk, you have rights such as receiving the allowance for up to three years, with possible extensions based on progress, and a decision period of eight weeks. If your application is denied, you can file an objection with the Municipality of Rijswijk and potentially appeal to the District Court in Rijswijk. The Legal Aid Office in Rijswijk offers free support for procedures.
Obligations include:
- Reporting monthly income and hours worked.
- Participating in growth programs, such as local coaching in Rijswijk.
- Avoiding duplicate benefits and disclosing assets.
- Repaying the allowance if your income increases.
Failure to comply may result in withdrawal or recovery of funds by the Municipality of Rijswijk.
Practical Examples from Rijswijk
Consider a starting graphic designer in Rijswijk who earns €800 net after a year, while the norm is €1,100. Through the Municipality of Rijswijk, after a business scan, they receive a €300 supplement, enabling them to pay rent in the area and advertise for more clients.
Or a widow taking over a local family business in Rijswijk and struggling with administration; her €900 income qualifies for Bbz support for two years, including a mandatory bookkeeping course. After a year, she earns €1,500, and the support ends automatically.
Thus, the scheme supports Rijswijk entrepreneurs during transitional phases without undermining their motivation.
Comparison with Other Benefits
The Bbz allowance for living expenses in Rijswijk differs from standard social assistance and unemployment benefits. Overview:
| Aspect | Bbz Living Expenses | Regular Social Assistance (Participation Act) | Unemployment Benefit (WW) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Target Group | Self-employed with viable business | Unemployed without a business | Laid-off employees |
| Duration | Up to 3 years, extendable | Indefinite, subject to effort | Limited based on work history |
| Retention of Self-Employment | Yes | No | N/A |
| Application Through | Municipality of Rijswijk | Municipality of Rijswijk | UWV |
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