Benefit Norms in Tilburg: The Basis for Your Benefit
Benefit norms are the statutory minimum standards for your social assistance benefit in Tilburg. They determine the amount of your benefit based on your living situation, age, and income, ensuring you can cover basic needs such as rent, food, and clothing. In this article, we explain the norms, including the 2024 amounts, specifically tailored for Tilburg residents. For questions, contact the Tilburg Legal Aid Office for free advice.
What Exactly Are Benefit Norms for Tilburg?
The benefit norm is the amount the government deems appropriate for a decent standard of living. It varies by personal circumstances and covers living expenses, with annual adjustments for inflation and wages. If your income and assets fall below it, apply for social assistance from the Municipality of Tilburg to top up to the norm.
Note: this norm applies from age 21. Those under 21 often need to live with parents. This article builds on our guide to the social assistance benefit amounts in 2024.
Legal Basis of Benefit Norms
The norms are set out in the Participation Act (Pw), particularly Article 6 Pw and Annex 1 to the Pw. They guarantee a 'sufficient subsistence minimum' for benefit recipients in Tilburg.
- Article 6 Pw: Amount for clothing, shoes, housing, and fixed costs.
- Article 31 Pw: Benefit = norm minus income and assets.
- Indexation: Under Article 76 Pw, adjusted annually on 1 January based on price increases.
The Minister of SZW publishes the current norms in the Staatscourant.
Benefit Norm Amounts 2024 in Tilburg
As of 1 January 2024, these indexed net monthly amounts apply (excluding 5% holiday allowance and one-off supplements). The Municipality of Tilburg uses these national norms.
| Household Type | Norm Amount 2024 (net p.m.) |
|---|---|
| Single Person | € 1.359,17 |
| Single Parent | € 1.923,99 |
| Married Couple / Cohabitants | € 1.923,99 |
| Single Person 65+ (State Pension Age) | € 1.359,17 (same as standard) |
| Per Child (0-17 Years) | € 309,25 to € 500,20 (age-dependent) |
View the full overview in Annex 1 Pw. Norms may be reduced if living with others.
Conditions for Social Assistance in Tilburg
Entitlement to social assistance requires meeting Article 7 Pw:
- Aged 21 or older.
- Lawful residence in the Netherlands, including Tilburg.
- Insufficient income and assets (Article 31 Pw).
- Willingness to work, unless exempt (e.g., illness).
- No unnecessarily expensive or luxurious housing.
The Municipality of Tilburg assesses your application and pays up to the norm minus your own resources.
Rights and Obligations for Social Assistance in Tilburg
Rights
- Full norm if no income.
- Indexation plus holiday allowance (around 5% in June).
- Objection and appeal to the District Court of Zeeland-West-Brabant (Breda location) for unjustified reductions (Awbz).
Obligations
- Actively job search and report changes within 8 days (Article 60 Pw).
- No fraud with income or assets.
- Participate in reintegration programs via the municipality.
Non-compliance may lead to reductions (up to 100%) or termination by the Municipality of Tilburg.
Practical Examples for Tilburg
Example 1: Marie (45, single, no income) from Tilburg receives the €1,359.17 norm. With €200 part-time income: €1,159.17 benefit.
Example 2: Ahmed and partner with two children (5 and 10) in Tilburg: €1,923.99 + €309.25 + €422.62 = €2,655.86. Use up savings above €7,575 first.
Example 3: After divorce in Tilburg: norm drops from €1,923.99 (couple) to €1,359.17 (single); report to municipality immediately.
Frequently Asked Questions about Benefit Norms in Tilburg
Can I receive allowances alongside the norm?
Yes, rent, healthcare, or childcare allowances from the Tax Authority do not count as income. Apply via the Tilburg Legal Aid Office.
Does my income exceed the norm?
No benefit. For variable income (freelance), the Municipality of Tilburg uses a three-month average.
Do norms differ by municipality like Tilburg?
No, they are national. But the Municipality of Tilburg offers discretionary assistance for one-off expenses.
How often do norms change?
Annually on 1 January, based on price developments.