UWV: Benefit must be raised to social minimum regardless of family income

Benefits should be raised to the social minimum to prevent people from having to rely on special benefits to make ends meet. This is what the UWV benefits agency calls for in its so-called bottleneck letter. The "family income,” such as the joint income of the beneficiary and other people in the household, should no longer influence the amount of the benefit.

This concerns the so-called benefit law, which is separate from childcare, healthcare, and rent benefits. By relying on this law, people can top up their income if their benefits fall below the social minimum and they can no longer make ends meet. However, this benefit is uncertain, and many people do not claim it. Therefore, the UWV wants the special benefit to be abolished.

In the short term, the Wajong benefit for young disabled people can be increased. It is estimated that two-thirds of Wajongers entitled to a benefit from the UWV do not claim it.

The UWV proposes to increase benefits to the social minimum in the future, regardless of the entire family income. The authority also points out that "in today's time" lifestyles often change. A family income is no longer an appropriate starting point. "The same social minimum applies to everyone, regardless of living situation. This makes the scheme the simplest and most understandable for people."