In Leiden, in addition to income, a strict asset limit applies to social assistance benefits under the Participation Act. For 2024, a single person in Leiden may have a maximum of €7,575 in assets, while a married couple may have €15,150. Saving above this limit will result in the refusal or termination of social assistance by the Municipality of Leiden. Assets include savings, investments, second homes (such as a pied-à-terre outside the city of Leiden), cryptocurrencies, and other movable assets. However, your own home in neighborhoods such as Merenwijk or Professorenwijk and household contents remain exempt up to €58,000 per person.
The Work and Social Assistance Act (WWB), Article 31, mandates an 'asset income addition': savings above the exemption are considered as notional income (up to a 4% return). For residents of Leiden aged 65 and older, a higher exemption of €66,050 applies. The Municipality of Leiden may deviate from these rules under exceptional circumstances, such as medical debts or educational expenses for children attending Leiden University.
When applying through the Leiden Service Center, you must declare all assets; the Dutch Tax and Customs Administration automatically shares data with the municipality. Concealing assets constitutes fraud, punishable by fines up to €11,760 or even imprisonment. Tip: Use up your assets first, for example by paying off debts, before applying for social assistance in Leiden. For AOW (state pension) recipients, more flexible rules apply under the IOAW. Check your situation using the digital social assistance calculator on the Municipality of Leiden's website or make an appointment at the consultation hour in the Town Hall at the Burcht van Leiden.