Cost-sharing standard

If you have your main residence in the same home with one or more adults, the cost-sharing standard applies to you. The municipality then takes into account the benefits of sharing expenses in one home.

Do you share your home with others? If so, this may affect the amount of your Social assistance benefit.

How does it work?

In the following cases, the cost-sharing standard does not apply to you:

  • You are married; and
  • your partner is also entitled to assistance; and
  • You share your home only with your spouse.

The municipality uses a formula to calculate what your standard is. The more people who have their main residence in your home, the lower the norm.

Who does the cost-sharing standard apply to?

The cost-sharing standard applies to adults who share a home together. This is called a multi-person household. This can be, for example, a family with two parents and a number of live-in children over the age of 27, a (grand)parent or live-in niece. Roommates who are not related to you also count. It does not matter why you share a home: the cost-sharing standard applies to all multiple-person households.

When it comes to whether you are entitled to benefits, the income and assets of only you and your partner count. The income and assets of other household members do not. When it comes to the amount of your benefit, the number of roommates does count. There are some exceptions.

These adults do not count toward the cost-sharing standard:

  • Youth up to 27 years of age
  • Students receiving student loans
  • Apprentices studying through the vocational training pathway (BBL)
  • Room renters and boarders who are not relatives and pay for the room and/or board and lodging. This must be provable through a contract and monthly transfer of the rent amount. 

Learn more

For more information about the Cost Sharing Standard? Please call 14 0181.