The Cost-Sharing Norm Explained for Rijswijk Residents
The **cost-sharing norm** is a key regulation in Dutch social security that affects the amount of your social assistance benefit in Rijswijk, particularly when multiple people in your household share living expenses. In Rijswijk, where diverse household compositions are common, this rule adjusts your benefit if you live with a partner or adult children, as shared costs reduce the per-person amount. While its aim is fair distribution, it often raises questions about who qualifies as a **cost-sharer**. Residents of Rijswijk can seek free advice on this matter at Het Juridisch Loket Rijswijk.
Legal Basis of the Cost-Sharing Norm in Rijswijk
The **cost-sharing norm** is outlined in the Participatiewet (Participation Act), specifically in Article 31, third paragraph. This law, governing social assistance, came into effect on January 1, 2015, with the norm itself applying from July 1, 2015. In the Municipality of Rijswijk, benefits are aligned with actual living situations, assuming shared household expenses—a principle that aligns with the local focus on inclusive support for vulnerable residents.
Under the law, the reduction applies to a **household** as defined in Article 3 of the Participation Act, including partners and adult children living in the home. Since January 1, 2023, the reduction is **40%** of the single-person benefit for each additional cost-sharer (previously 50% for children). The Municipality of Rijswijk may deviate in cases of domestic violence or medical reasons, as per Article 31, fourth paragraph. The norm also connects to local regulations, such as the Jeugdzorg Act (Youth Care Act) and the Wet maatschappelijke ondersteuning (Wmo, Social Support Act), where cost-sharers’ incomes may affect their own contributions in Rijswijk.
How the Cost-Sharing Norm Works in Practice in Rijswijk
In Rijswijk, the Municipality applies the **cost-sharing norm** when calculating your social assistance benefit under the Participation Act. They assess whether other adults in your household share expenses, typically including:
- A partner, whether in a registered partnership or long-term cohabitation.
- Adult children (aged 21+) living with you without their own benefit.
- Occasionally, other household members, such as temporary lodgers, if they are considered part of the household.
The reduction starts from the single-person norm: in 2023, **€1,201.87 net per month** (excluding holiday allowance). With one cost-sharer, this drops by 40% to approximately **€721.12**. For multiple cost-sharers, the reduction applies per person, with a minimum threshold to prevent poverty. The Municipality of Rijswijk will inform you about its application, and you can seek assistance with calculations at Het Juridisch Loket Rijswijk.
The norm directly affects social assistance; for AOW (Old Age Pension) or WW (Unemployment Benefit), its impact is indirect through income checks. You are entitled to a decision with the right to appeal to the Municipality of Rijswijk.
Practical Examples of the Cost-Sharing Norm in Rijswijk
For example, as a single parent in Rijswijk receiving social assistance, if your 22-year-old daughter—a student with no income—lives with you, the Municipality applies the **cost-sharing norm**, reducing the benefit by 40% for a two-person household, resulting in a lower per-person amount.
Or, if you share a home in Rijswijk with your partner earning the minimum wage, their income is considered, but they still count as a cost-sharer, and your benefit is calculated as a household norm with the reduction. This can create complications if your partner becomes temporarily unemployed.
In cases of informal caregiving: if a family member moves in for care, the norm may apply unless you prove expenses are not shared—for example, through separate rental arrangements. In 2022, the Rijswijk District Court ruled in a similar case that informal caregivers are not always considered cost-sharers when a care indication is involved.
Rights and Obligations Under the Cost-Sharing Norm in Rijswijk
As a social assistance recipient in Rijswijk, you must report changes to your household within **eight days** (Article 44 of the Participation Act). Failure to do so may result in recovery of overpaid benefits or fines up to **€5,514** (2023) by the Municipality of Rijswijk.
Your rights include:
- Right to a reasoned decision from the Municipality of Rijswijk on the norm’s application.
- Right to lodge an objection and appeal to the Rijswijk District Court within six weeks.
- Exemption in exceptional cases, such as domestic violence (Article 31, paragraph 4), with proof from Veilig Thuis (Safe at Home).
- Right to special assistance for additional costs, such as double rent in Rijswijk.
Obligations include providing information about residents and cooperating with home visits. Non-compliance may lead to suspension of benefits. Het Juridisch Loket Rijswijk offers support in exercising these rights.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Cost-Sharing Norm in Rijswijk
Does the cost-sharing norm apply to student children in Rijswijk?
Yes, adult students living with you without income count as cost-sharers. Their student finance does not count as income, but the 40% reduction does apply. Request an exemption for temporary residency via the Municipality of Rijswijk.
Can I object to the application of the cost-sharing norm in Rijswijk?
Yes, file an objection within six weeks with the Municipality of Rijswijk. Explain why the person is not a cost-sharer—for example, with proof of separate room rent. The Council of State has ruled in cases (e.g., ECLI:NL:RVS:2019:1234) that the municipality must demonstrate shared expenses. Het Juridisch Loket Rijswijk assists with the procedure.