If you are going to live together in Leiden, this can affect your entitlement to benefits. Your partner becomes your benefits partner and your incomes and assets are combined for the calculation.
What Does Benefits Partner Mean?
According to the Tax Authorities, you are a benefits partner if you:
- Are married or have a registered partnership
- Live together and have a joint child
- Have entered into a cohabitation agreement
- Are each other's pension partner
- Jointly own the home in Leiden
- Are registered at the same address with a minor child of one of you
Impact on Benefits
| Element | Effect |
|---|---|
| Income | Both incomes are added together |
| Assets | Both assets are taken into account (with a higher threshold) |
| Healthcare benefit | One joint benefit (often higher amount) |
| Rent benefit | One benefit for you both |
| Child-related budget | No longer eligible for single parent benefit |
Steps When Cohabiting
If you are going to live together in Leiden, report this to the Tax Authorities:
- Go to MyBenefits and log in
- Select 'Report a change'
- Enter the start date of cohabitation
- Add your partner's details
Make sure to do this within 4 weeks to avoid issues such as repayment demands.
Frequently Asked Questions about Benefits in Leiden
We live at the same address in Leiden, but not as a couple. Are we benefits partners?
Not automatically. If you only share a home (for example, as housemates) and do not run a joint household, you are probably not 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.
Will I lose my single parent benefit when cohabiting?
Yes, as soon as you have a benefits partner, this benefit lapses. This can make a significant difference to your annual budget.
Extra Information for Leiden
For legal questions about benefits and cohabitation, you can go to the Legal Aid Office Leiden, located at Stationsweg 46. In addition, the District Court of The Hague, Leiden location, handles cases related to this.
Practical Tips
- Always check your situation via MyBenefits after a change.
- Contact the Tax Authorities or the Legal Aid Office in Leiden if you have any uncertainties.
- Take into account a possible reduction in benefits due to combined income.