The cost-sharing norm (kostendelersnorm) in Rijswijk
The cost-sharing norm lowers your social assistance benefit (bijstand) if you share a home with other adults who can contribute to the shared costs. This article explains how the municipality of Rijswijk applies it.
Who counts as a cost-sharer?
Since 1 January 2023, a housemate only counts as a cost-sharer from the age of 27. Housemates under 27, and students receiving study finance, do not count. Partners and children under 18 are also excluded.
The more cost-sharers of 27 or older live in the home, the lower the benefit per person: with two people each receives 50% of the couples' norm, with three 43.33%, with four 40%, and so on. The benefit may never fall below the social minimum. The municipality does not look at the income or assets of your housemates, only at how many there are.
How the municipality of Rijswijk applies it
The municipality checks your household via the Personal Records Database (BRP). It only applies if there is a genuine shared household. Report any change (such as someone moving in or out) immediately, so the benefit can be recalculated. The cost-sharing norm applies only to social assistance — there is no cost-sharing norm for housing allowance (huurtoeslag).
Rights and obligations
You are entitled to a clear explanation in the decision. If you disagree, you can object within six weeks (Section 7:1 Awb), and appeal to the court thereafter. You must report household changes immediately, otherwise the municipality can reclaim benefit or impose a fine. The Legal Aid Counter (Juridisch Loket) in Rijswijk offers free support.