Individual Income Supplement Conditions in Tilburg
The individual income supplement (IIS) provides assistance to Tilburg residents with assets that exceed the norm but insufficient income for basic needs. This scheme from the Municipality of Tilburg temporarily bridges the gap between income and expenses, without requiring you to use up all your savings. In this article, we explain the conditions, the legal basis, and how it works in Tilburg.
What is the Individual Income Supplement in Tilburg?
The IIS falls under social assistance as described in the Participation Act and is intended for Tilburg households that do not qualify for standard social assistance due to high assets, yet face financial strain. Unlike regular social assistance, which adheres to a strict assets limit, the IIS offers more flexibility. The Municipality of Tilburg reviews each case individually, such as when savings stem from years of thrift or an inheritance, rather than current earnings.
This measure promotes self-reliance: you don't need to deplete your resources before receiving help. It serves as a buffer during income declines, like early retirement or health issues, while preserving reserves for unexpected situations in Tilburg.
Legal Basis
The individual income supplement is outlined in the Participation Act (Pw), particularly in Article 18 and beyond. Article 18 paragraph 1 Pw states that social assistance is available for those unable to provide for themselves. For the IIS, there is an exception to the assets limit in Article 31 Pw, normally €7,575 for single persons or €15,020 for cohabiting persons in 2023.
The law allows for local policies through the General Administrative Order (AMvB) and the Special Social Assistance Ordinance of the Municipality of Tilburg. The ministerial regulation 'Individual income supplement' (State Gazette 2015, 191) provides assessment guidelines. The supplement is temporary and should align with a plan to increase income or utilize assets.
European case law, such as from the European Court of Human Rights, requires that assets rules be proportionate and not cause undue hardship (see case Loffredo v. Italy).
Conditions for Granting in Tilburg
For the IIS in Tilburg, specific requirements apply, assessed by the Municipality of Tilburg on a case-by-case basis. Here are the key points:
- Residence and residence permit: You must reside in Tilburg and hold a valid residence permit (Article 7 Pw).
- Income situation: Your net income falls below the social assistance norm but is not zero. The IIS adjusts it up to the norm, after deducting a contribution from your assets.
- Assets: Your possessions exceed the norm but remain 'acceptable'. In Tilburg, this often means €30,000–€50,000 for a single person, depending on circumstances. Exceptions apply for your Tilburg home or business capital.
- Work capability: Below the state pension age, you must participate in reintegration efforts (Article 9 Pw). Above 65, this does not apply.
- No other social assistance: You must not be eligible for standard social assistance, state pension, or other benefits.
- Temporarity: Maximum of 6 months, extendable to 2 years with a solid plan (Article 18 paragraph 3 Pw).
The Municipality of Tilburg verifies personal effort: have you applied for jobs or addressed debts? Provide evidence such as bank statements and pay slips. For free advice on your Tilburg situation, contact the Legal Aid Office Tilburg.
Comparison with Regular Social Assistance in Tilburg
| Aspect | Regular Social Assistance | Individual Income Supplement |
|---|---|---|
| Assets limit | Strict: €7,575 (2023) | Flexible: higher, tailored |
| Duration | Indefinite, under conditions | Temporary: up to 2 years |
| Assessment | Standard via Municipality of Tilburg | Personal, with action plan |
| Target group | Low income and assets | Low income, more assets |
Practical Examples from Tilburg
Consider Mr. Jansen from the Het Zand neighborhood in Tilburg, 62 years old, with an average pension of €1,200 net. His norm is €1,300. With €40,000 in savings from an inheritance, he does not qualify for social assistance. The Municipality of Tilburg grants IIS of €100 per month for 6 months, contingent on a plan for additional income. After review, they may extend it.
Or Mrs. De Vries, a 70-year-old widow from Tilburg-Noord, with €25,000 in the bank and a state pension of €1,100 (norm €1,200). The municipality approves IIS, considering her reasonable reserves and lack of alternatives. Her age exempts her from work requirements.
Sometimes the Municipality of Tilburg denies applications for extremely high assets, such as €100,000 without justification, unless tied to real estate.
Rights and Obligations in Tilburg
Rights:
- Right to a thorough assessment by the Municipality of Tilburg (Article 3:2 Awb).
- Submit an objection to the municipality, with appeal to the Zeeland-West-Brabant District Court in Breda (Article 7:1 Awb; Council of State as final instance).
- No recovery if the IIS is correctly granted.
Obligations:
- Provide updates: report changes in income or assets immediately (Article 35 Pw).
- Cooperate on a plan: seek employment or reduce costs in Tilburg.
- Repay if income increases later.
Contact the Legal Aid Office Tilburg for assistance with applications or objections.
Veelgestelde vragen
Wat is mijn retourrecht?
Bij online aankopen heb je 14 dagen retourrecht zonder opgaaf van reden, tenzij de wettelijke uitzonderingen gelden.
Hoe lang geldt de wettelijke garantie?
Goederen moeten minimaal 2 jaar meewerken. Defecten die binnen 6 maanden ontstaan worden verondersteld al aanwezig te zijn.
Kan ik rente eisen over schulden?
Ja, je kunt wettelijke rente eisen (momenteel ongeveer 8% per jaar) over het openstaande bedrag.
Wat kan ik doen tegen oneerlijke handelspraktijken?
Je kunt klacht indienen bij de consumentenbond, de overheid of naar de rechter gaan.
Wat is een kredietovereenkomst?
Een kredietovereenkomst regelt hoe je geld leent, wat de rente is, en hoe je dit terugbetaalt.