Social Assistance and Cohabitation in Leiden
If you live in Leiden and cohabit, this affects your social assistance benefit. The Municipality of Leiden assesses the income and assets of all members of your household. This can result in a lower benefit or complete loss of your right to social assistance.
When Are You Considered Cohabiting?
| Situation | Cohabiting? | Consequence |
|---|---|---|
| Married or registered partnership | Yes | Joint benefit |
| Cohabiting with a partner | Yes | Joint benefit |
| Living with parents | Cost-sharing norm | Reduced benefit |
| With a housemate (not a partner) | Cost-sharing norm | Reduced benefit |
What Does a Joint Household Mean?
The Municipality of Leiden investigates whether there is a joint household based on criteria such as:
- Do you share the same residential address?
- Do you share financial expenses such as rent or daily costs?
- Do you have children together?
- Have you been married in the past?
- Do you provide care for each other?
What Is the Cost-Sharing Norm?
The Cost-Sharing Norm Explained
Your benefit is reduced per additional adult in the household:
- 2 adults: 50% of the norm for married persons per person
- 3 adults: 43% per person
- 4 adults: 40% per person
- And so on
Exceptions to the Cost-Sharing Norm
In some cases, the cost-sharing norm does not apply, for example for:
- Students with student finance
- Young people under 21 years of age
- Room rental on a commercial basis
- Specific care situations
Checks and Fraud in Leiden
The Municipality of Leiden conducts checks to verify whether the reported situation is correct:
- Home visits
- Access to financial data
- Cross-checks with other agencies
- Strict approach to fraud involving cohabitation
Do I Have a LAT Relationship. Does This Count as Cohabiting?
No, if you live at separate addresses and do not run a joint household, you are not considered cohabiting.
My Adult Child Lives at Home. What Are the Consequences?
A child aged 21 or older counts towards the cost-sharing norm, unless it is a student with student finance.
What If I Start Cohabiting with Someone Who Has Income?
Your social assistance may be reduced or terminated if the total household income exceeds the norm.
Frequently Asked Questions About Social Assistance in Leiden
Who is eligible for unemployment benefits?
If you are unemployed, have paid premiums, and are registered with the UWV, you may be entitled to unemployment benefits.
What is the duration of unemployment benefits?
This depends on your employment history and can vary between 3 months and 38 weeks.
What does social assistance entail?
Social assistance is financial support from the municipality for residents of Leiden who do not have sufficient income to provide for their livelihood.
How can I apply for social assistance in Leiden?
You can apply for social assistance via the Municipality of Leiden. You must demonstrate your personal and financial situation.
Am I required to look for work during a benefit period?
Yes, with unemployment benefits, you must actively apply for jobs and be able to prove this to the UWV.
Contact and Help in Leiden
For legal questions or support, you can contact:
- District Court of The Hague, Leiden Location
- Legal Counter Leiden: Stationsweg 46, Leiden