What is the cost-sharing standard?
The cost-sharing standard (kostendelersnorm) is a regulation under the Participation Act that reduces your benefit when more adults live in the same home. The idea is that you share housing costs and therefore need less money.
The cost-sharing standard applies to social assistance and the AIO supplement. The more co-residents aged 21 or older, the lower your benefit.
How is it calculated?
- 1 adult: 70% of the net reference minimum wage
- 2 adults: 50% per person
- 3 adults: 43.33% per person
- 4 adults: 40% per person
Who counts as a cost-sharer?
All persons aged 21 or older registered at the same address, regardless of whether they are family, contribute to costs, or have their own income.
Who doesn't count?
- Persons under 21 years old
- Students receiving student finance (under 27)
- Persons with a commercial lease (paying market-rate rent)
Filing an objection
You can object if:
- The SVB incorrectly determined the number of cost-sharers
- Someone is registered at your address but doesn't actually live there
- A co-resident was not properly exempted (e.g., student or commercial tenant)
The objection deadline is six weeks after the decision. If denied, appeal to the district court and then the Central Appeals Tribunal.
Contact Arslan & Arslan Advocaten at 070 4500 300 or visit arslan.nl.