Note: the information below is outdated. There are new plans for an income-dependent personal contribution for the entire Social Support Act (Wmo).
State Secretary Van Ooijen (Health, Welfare and Sport): “In recent years it has become clear that the current fixed rate for domestic help, which is the same for every household required to pay a personal contribution, has led to a sharp increase in the number of applicants. Notably, the percentage growth is especially high among higher income groups. This results in pressure on the accessibility of Wmo provisions for residents in vulnerable financial or personal situations. Therefore, the coalition agreement includes the introduction of a fairer personal contribution for domestic help. Today we take an important step towards implementing this fairer contribution.”
Appropriate personal contribution from 2025
For most households, the introduction of an appropriate personal contribution for domestic help means they will continue to pay €19 per month. For households with income above 185% of the social minimum, the contribution will gradually increase as income rises (in 2021, 185% of the social minimum for a single pensioner was about €30,000). For a household earning €1,000 above that threshold, the monthly contribution will be approximately €6.70 higher. From an income of about €66,000, the maximum contribution of €255 per month applies. These amounts may still change based on indexation.
€110 million extra to municipalities
Additionally, the Integral Care Agreement stipulates that municipalities will receive an extra €110 million annually from 2025 for Wmo provisions. While the new appropriate personal contribution reduces demand for domestic help, this agreement ensures structurally more funds for other Wmo provisions, such as home modifications, stairlifts, or day care for the elderly.
Pressure on provisions due to fixed low rate
Since the introduction of the subscription rate for the Wmo, households have been able to use certain Wmo provisions from 2019 for a fixed rate of €19 per month, regardless of income, assets, or usage. Despite the positive effect on implementation and cost stacking, the use of domestic help within the Wmo has increased more than expected due to the subscription rate. For other Wmo provisions, this pressure is limited and the subscription rate remains equal for all incomes.