State Secretary Jurgen Nobel (Participation and Integration): “Those on welfare must return to work, participate, or learn the language. This adopted bill includes over 20 measures to further stimulate that. It is also clear that welfare is not optional: there are obligations. Such as learning the language to increase the chances of finding a job.”
Stimulating Work
A welfare benefit should aim to get people back to work. The overly complicated rules sometimes work against that. People are hesitant to work while on benefits. They fear having to repay allowances and do not know if they will be better off. This law provides more financial security for those who work. The earnings thresholds for working while retaining benefits will be expanded, allowing people to take the first step towards employment. Municipalities can also allocate a buffer budget. This ensures that people with fluctuating income from work are rewarded.
The rules regarding gifts – such as a bag of groceries – will be relaxed. Municipalities will also be able to grant welfare retroactively. This prevents people from being without income in the initial period and accumulating debts, which worsens problems.
Language Requirement
The cabinet finds it important that people on welfare master the Dutch language to increase their chances of finding a job. State Secretary Nobel wants municipalities to focus more on this language requirement and enforce it. Starting in 2027, municipalities will receive structural additional funds for providing language education to people on welfare. If no effort is made, the benefits must be reduced. The state secretary is in discussions with municipalities about this.
Phased Implementation
Municipalities will have the space to implement the bill in phases. 2026 will serve as a transition year. Agreements have been made with municipalities about this. The law is a first step towards a fundamental revision of the Participatiewet, where work and participation will be even more central.
