Amsterdam poverty fight gets €20m boost

From next year not only Amsterdam residents on welfare, but also workers with low income, will receive support from the municipality. At present about 83 thousand households are entitled to minimum provisions. By increasing the budget for poverty reduction with 20 million euro yearly and increasing the income threshold, 15 thousand additional households can be helped - this includes 8 thousand pensioners and 5 thousand working Amsterdammers. According to SP councilor Arjan Vliegenthart (work, income and participation), one third of the money is going directly to 6,500 children of poor parents. Thanks to the increase, they will in future be entitled to PCs, reimbursements for textbooks and a contribution to sports clubs fees. Amsterdam is increasing the income threshold for the minimum regulations from 110 percent to 120 percent of the legal minimum wage. Thereby families with a gross income of up to 21,069 euro qualify for perks. For a singe person the gross income is 17,636 euro. In addition to the increased income threshold, there will also be a free supplementary health insurance package. The identity card for people with low incomes will be reimbursed. Public transport remains free for older people with a minimum income. Amsterdam used the Nibud study on the effect of the current minimum schemes. The Nibud figures show that working Amsterdam couples with a gross annual income of 21 thousand euro, fall 200 euro short each month.