Assets Threshold for Benefits in Rijswijk

Assets Threshold for Benefits in Rijswijk

The assets threshold for benefits in Rijswijk determines the maximum amount of savings and other assets you may have to receive social assistance from the Municipality of Rijswijk. Under the Participation Act, you must first use your own resources if you exceed this limit. For 2024, the threshold is €7,575 for a single person and €15,150 for a cohabiting couple. This article provides explanations with examples, tips, and local references for residents of Rijswijk.

Legal Basis of the Assets Threshold

The assets rules are laid down in the Participation Act (Pw), specifically Article 31 Pw. This requires benefit recipients to convert assets into cash and use them for living expenses. Article 32 Pw defines assets as cash, bank accounts, investments, movable property (such as jewelry or artwork), and non-primary residences.

The thresholds are adjusted annually for inflation using price indices and published in the Assets Threshold Regulation under the Participation Act. For Rijswijk in 2024, these amounts apply at the Municipality of Rijswijk:

These limits take effect from January 1, 2024, and may change. Check with the Municipality of Rijswijk or our article on applying for benefits for your personal situation.

What Does the Municipality of Rijswijk Count as Assets?

The Municipality of Rijswijk assesses the marketable value minus debts. Overview for Rijswijk:

• Fully countable: savings accounts, stocks, cryptocurrency, second home, camper, boat (unless essential), expensive jewelry.
• Limited or not countable: primary residence (art. 34 Pw), car up to €2,300 (2024), essential furniture, student grant up to €15,000.
• Special cases: ground lease on home, small art collections (max €2,710 p.p.).

The assets of the entire household, including partner, are taken into account by the Municipality of Rijswijk.

Examples from Rijswijk Practice

Example 1: Unemployed single person in Rijswijk. With €10,000 in savings, you exceed the €7,575 threshold by €2,425. The Municipality of Rijswijk requires you to spend this, for example on outstanding bills, before benefits.

Example 2: Couple in Rijswijk with vacation home. €12,000 savings plus €50,000 second home = €62,000. Above €15,150: sell the home and use the net proceeds first.

Example 3: Single parent with car in Rijswijk. €8,000 savings and €4,000 car (only €1,700 above €2,300 counts). Excess: €475, which you must spend.

The Municipality of Rijswijk conducts an assets assessment and may initiate an investigation.

Rights and Obligations Regarding Assets in Rijswijk

Rights:

• Objection to the calculation within 6 weeks (Awb art. 6:3) at the District Court Rijswijk.
• Reasonable period for spending, often 2-4 years for illiquid assets.
• Exemption in exceptional situations such as illness (art. 31 para. 3 Pw).

Obligations:

1. Fully report assets when applying to the Municipality of Rijswijk.
2. Realize and spend assets.
3. Report changes within 8 days (art. 47 Pw).

Violation leads to recovery or deduction.

Tips for Residents of Rijswijk

Avoid issues:

• Check yourself: Use the Government calculation tool.
• Use exemptions: For studies or debts.
• Prove everything: Invoices for expenditures.
• Seek help: Call Municipality of Rijswijk, the Legal Aid Office Rijswijk or an advisor.
• More info: objection benefits or income limits.

Frequently Asked Questions for Rijswijk