Participation Act Leiden: calculation of the benefit

In the municipality of Leiden, the Participation Act regulates the conditions and calculation of your social assistance benefit. The amount is based on the statutory minimum wage and depends on your living situation, such as single in a rented property in Leiden, cohabiting or with children. For a single person, the standard in 2024 is € 1,201.82 net per month, excluding holiday allowance and special assistance via the Leiden Counter. Income from work, alimony or student finance is deducted, with an income disregard of € 246 for the first earnings – ideal for Leiden residents who work part-time for local employers such as the LUMC or university. Assets exceeding € 7,575 (single) or € 15,140 (cohabiting) result in a reduction; Leiden applies the same national thresholds but offers customisation for student loans. The municipality checks monthly via the Participation Counter in Merenwijk or the centre and adjusts for changes, such as moving to an energy-efficient home in Leiden-Noord. Account is taken of local living costs, such as high rent in the centre, and special circumstances such as medical costs or study delay. You must report changes immediately to the Leiden Counter to avoid sanctions. Young people under 27 benefit from the Leiden starters scheme with lower standards, mandatory job application trajectories via Werkplein and internships at Leiden companies. This approach encourages activation in the university city. Check the website leiden.nl/participatiewet for current Leiden amounts, calculation tools and appointment booking.