Compensation for single-income households
People with low incomes who are married or cohabiting may unintentionally have a combined income that is below the minimum subsistence level. This is the minimum amount needed to live on. This can happen if one partner receives benefits from the UWV, SVB, or a private insurer and the other has little or no income. We refer to this as a single-earner household.
For these partners, benefit and tax schemes work against each other. As a result, they receive less rent and healthcare allowance than they need, and their total income is therefore lower than that of people receiving Social assistance benefit. That is not the intention. This problem is known as the 'single-earner problem'.
The Tax and Customs Administration is working on a solution to this problem. Until then, the municipality will pay these families a nationally determined amount each year.
When might you receive too little tax credit?
This may be the case if:
- You have a (supplementary) partner.
- One of you receives benefits from the UWV, SVB, or a private insurer and may also have a small income from work or social assistance; and the other has no income or a small income.
From 2025 to 2028, affected households will receive a fixed amount. This will usually happen automatically. You do not need to submit an application. Your allowances and any Social assistance benefit the same. You will not need to repay the amount later.
Starting in 2025, the Tax and Customs Administration will provide municipalities with an annual list of households that are expected to be affected by the single-earner problem. If you are on this list, you are automatically entitled to the allowance. You will receive a letter from the municipality asking you to provide your account number.
How do we obtain the details of the households affected?
Tax legislation does not currently offer a solution to these problems. The rijksoverheid asked the Tax and Customs Administration to provide municipalities with details of residents who may be affected by the unjustified reduction in benefits.
Didn't receive a letter?
If you didn't receive a letter but think you are affected, please contact the regional team. The regional team can be reached on 0512-386222. You can also send an email to werkeninkomen@opsterland.nl.
