The IOAW (Income Provision for Older and Partially Work-Disabled Unemployed Workers) provides financial support to older unemployed in Leiden who no longer receive WW benefit. Unlike social assistance, your assets play no role in this.
What is the IOAW?
The IOAW supports workers who meet the following criteria:
- Born before 1 January 1965
- Became unemployed after their 50th birthday
- No longer entitled to WW benefit
- Not yet reached state pension age
IOAW versus social assistance
| Criterion | IOAW | Social Assistance |
|---|---|---|
| Assets test | Not applicable | Applicable |
| Owner-occupied home | Not taken into account | Taken into account above exemption |
| Savings | Not taken into account | Must be depleted above exemption |
| Benefit amount | Equal to social assistance | Equal to IOAW |
| Job search obligation | Yes | Yes |
Amount of the IOAW benefit
The amount of the IOAW corresponds to the social assistance norms:
- Single: € 1.281 net per month (2024)
- Single parent: € 1.281 net per month
- Cohabiting/married: € 1.830 net per month jointly
Income of you or your partner is deducted from this amount.
Conditions for IOAW in Leiden
- Born before 1 January 1965
- Became unemployed after age 50
- Fully utilised WW duration
- Not yet state pension age
- Resident in the Netherlands, for example in Leiden
Frequently asked questions about IOAW
Do I have to use my savings before receiving IOAW?
No, under the IOAW no account is taken of your assets. You therefore do not need to draw on savings or your owner-occupied home.
Am I required to job search while receiving IOAW?
Yes, even with IOAW you are required to seek work and cooperate with reintegration activities.
Can I apply for IOAW during my WW period?
No, you can only apply for IOAW after your WW benefit ends. Submit your application ideally 4 weeks before the end of your WW.
Additional questions about IOAW in Leiden
Who qualifies for the IOAW benefit?
You are eligible if you were born before 1 January 1965, became unemployed after age 50, no longer receive WW, have not yet reached state pension age and reside in the Netherlands, such as in Leiden. This benefit targets older unemployed without income after their WW.
How do I apply for IOAW and what is the processing time?
The IOAW application is submitted to the Social Insurance Bank (SVB). Submit it preferably four weeks before the end of your WW. The SVB processes your request and usually issues a decision within 8 weeks. Ensure you have documents such as your WW decision and ID ready.
Does my partner's income count towards IOAW?
Yes, your partner's income, such as salary or pension, is deducted from your IOAW benefit. However, your partner's assets do not count, as there is no assets test for IOAW, unlike social assistance.
What if I find work during my IOAW?
If you find work, report it immediately to the SVB. Your IOAW will be adjusted or terminated based on your new income. In employment, you may build up WW entitlements again. If you work less than 12 hours per week, you may sometimes retain part of the IOAW.
Can I receive IOAW with an owner-occupied home?
Yes, owning a home is no problem for IOAW. It is not taken into account, unlike social assistance where you must deplete equity above the exemption. You do not need to sell your home to receive the benefit.
What to do if my IOAW application is rejected?
If rejected, you receive a decision with explanation. You can lodge an objection with the SVB within six weeks. Explain in your objection why you disagree. Consider legal assistance, for example via the Juridisch Loket Leiden at Stationsweg 46.
How long do I receive IOAW?
You receive IOAW until you reach state pension age. The benefit stops on the first day of the month in which you start receiving state pension. There is no maximum duration, provided you meet conditions such as the job search obligation.
Legal support in Leiden
For legal questions or help with objections, you can go to the Juridisch Loket Leiden, located at Stationsweg 46. Additionally, the District Court of The Hague, Leiden location, handles any disputes regarding benefits.