Top-up benefit

If your income is below the social minimum, you may be able to get a top-up benefit to supplement your income. 

Receiving a top-up benefit 

You can get this allowance if you are 18 years or older and live in the Netherlands. You must have a low income. You must also be receiving, or have claimed, benefits from the UWV, such as unemployment benefit, sickness benefit or a WIA, WAO, WAZ or Wajong benefit. You can also get this allowance if you are on sick leave and your employer is paying you less than your normal wages. If you are 18, 19 or 20 and living with your parents or foster parents, you cannot get this allowance. 

Requesting this allowance 

You can claim this allowance through Mijn UWV. In order to do this, you need to have a DigiD. Fill in a form online and submit it. UWV will assess your claim and you will receive a letter containing the decision within eight weeks. 

Amount of this allowance 

The amount you get depends on your personal situation. UWV looks at how much you earn and your living situation. You also get holiday pay on the allowance. 

When do you get this allowance? 

If you receive a benefit from UWV, you will get this allowance at the same time as your benefit. If you do not receive a benefit, UWV will transfer the allowance to your bank account every week. 

Reporting changes 

If there is a change in your situation, you must report this to UWV within one week. For example, you might start to earn more, or earn less, or you might start cohabiting, or you might receive a different benefit. It is important that you report this quickly, or you might have to pay back money later.