If you are going to cohabit in Rijswijk, this can affect your benefits. Your partner becomes your benefits partner and your incomes are combined for the calculation.
What Does Benefits Partner Mean?
You are considered a benefits partner if you meet one of these criteria:
- You are married or have a registered partnership
- You live together and have a joint child
- You have a cohabitation agreement
- You are each other's pension partner
- You are co-owner of your home
- You are registered at the same address with a minor child of one of you
Impact on Your Benefits
| Element | Effect |
|---|---|
| Income | Both incomes are added together |
| Assets | Both assets are taken into account (with an increased threshold) |
| Healthcare benefit | One joint benefit (often higher) |
| Rent benefit | One benefit for you both |
| Child-related budget | Single parent supplement lapses |
What Do You Need to Arrange?
If you are going to cohabit, report this to the Tax Authorities:
- Go to MijnToeslagen and log in
- Click on 'Report Change'
- Enter the start date of cohabitation
- Add your partner's details
Do this within 4 weeks to avoid problems such as recovery.
Frequently Asked Questions about Cohabitation in Rijswijk
We live at the same address in Rijswijk, but not as a couple. Are we benefits partners?
Not necessarily. If you only share a home (for example, as housemates) and do not run a joint household, you may not be considered benefits partners. The Tax Authorities assess the situation on a case-by-case basis.
My partner has debts. Does this affect our benefits?
Yes, your partner's debts can be offset against benefits. If this feels unfair, you can lodge an objection with the Tax Authorities.
Do I lose my single parent supplement when cohabiting?
Yes, as soon as you have a benefits partner, the single parent supplement lapses. This can make a significant difference to your annual budget.
Extra Questions and Answers
When do I officially become a benefits partner?
You are a benefits partner as soon as you cohabit and meet one of the conditions, such as a cohabitation agreement or a joint child. The Tax Authorities look at the actual situation, so report it in time.
How does cohabitation change my healthcare benefit?
You receive one healthcare benefit for both of you, based on the joint income. The amount may be higher, but your partner's income is taken into account. Report this within 4 weeks via MijnToeslagen.
Will I continue to receive rent benefit when cohabiting?
Yes, but you receive one joint benefit. The total income and assets are taken into account, which may reduce the benefit. Report the change within 4 weeks.
What happens to my child-related budget?
The single parent supplement lapses upon cohabitation, which may reduce or eliminate your budget. Check this via MijnToeslagen and report the change immediately.
Do I need to report my partner's debts?
No, this is not mandatory, but debts can affect benefit refunds. In unreasonable situations, you can object.
What if I report cohabitation too late?
Report the change as soon as possible via MijnToeslagen. Late reporting can lead to recovery, but acting quickly can limit fines. Contact the Tax Authorities if you have questions.
How do assets work for benefits?
When cohabiting, the assets of both of you are taken into account. The threshold is higher than for singles, but if exceeded, your benefit may be lower or stop. Check the current rules on the Tax Authorities website.
Summary
Cohabitation in Rijswijk changes your entitlement to benefits. Your partner becomes your benefits partner and your incomes and assets are calculated together. Report changes within 4 weeks to prevent problems. Note: the single parent supplement lapses and benefits are determined jointly.
Key Points
- You are a benefits partner when cohabiting under certain conditions.
- Income and assets of both are taken into account for benefits.
- Report changes on time to the Tax Authorities.
- For legal assistance, you can go to the Juridisch Loket Rijswijk.
- In disputes over benefits, you can bring a case to the District Court of The Hague.