Do you receive a social assistance benefit in Westland? Then alimony impacts your benefit. The municipality can also recover alimony from your ex-partner.
Effect on your social assistance benefit
Alimony counts as income and is deducted from your social assistance benefit:
- Spousal alimony is fully deducted from the social assistance
- Child alimony is also offset
- Your net income remains the same, you do not keep more
Recovery by Westland Municipality
If you receive social assistance and your ex-partner does not pay or pays insufficient alimony, the Westland municipality can recover the costs of your benefit from your ex-partner. This process is called 'social assistance recovery'.
| Situation | Action by the municipality |
|---|---|
| No alimony established | Municipality determines an amount and recovers it |
| Alimony agreed but not paid | Municipality collects it for you or starts a recovery procedure |
| Ex-partner refuses payment | Municipality can involve the LBIO for assistance |
Calculation of recovery contribution
The Westland municipality sets a recovery contribution based on the financial capacity of your ex-partner. This amount may differ from what a court would impose as alimony.
Obligation to cooperate
As a recipient of social assistance in Westland, you are obliged to cooperate:
- You must provide information about your ex-partner to the municipality
- You must cooperate with paternity establishment (if applicable)
- You must support alimony procedures
In case of failure to cooperate, the municipality may reduce your benefit.
When does the municipality refrain from recovery?
The Westland municipality may decide not to pursue recovery if:
- Your ex-partner is financially unable to pay
- Recovery seriously harms the relationship with your children
- The costs of recovery exceed the amount to be recovered
Do I need to arrange alimony myself with a social assistance benefit?
The Westland municipality often takes this over. However, you must share information about your ex-partner and cooperate. The municipality determines whether it is worthwhile to pursue recovery.What if I receive alimony in addition to social assistance?
The alimony is fully deducted from your social assistance benefit. Your total income remains the same, as alimony replaces part of the social assistance.Can I object to the recovery of alimony?
If your ex-partner disagrees with the recovery contribution, he/she can file an objection with the municipality. As a social assistance recipient, you can object if the recovery has negative consequences for you or your children.Frequently asked questions about alimony and social assistance in Westland
How is alimony aligned with my social assistance benefit?
Both spousal and child alimony are fully offset against your social assistance. Your benefit is reduced by the amount of alimony received, so your total income remains the same.
What if my ex-partner does not pay alimony?
The Westland municipality can recover the alimony on your behalf. You must provide information about your ex-partner and cooperate. The municipality can set an amount itself or involve the LBIO in case of payment refusal.
How does the municipality determine the recovery contribution?
The municipality looks at the income, assets, and expenses of your ex-partner. The amount may differ from a judicial alimony decision. Your ex-partner can object to the determination.
What are the consequences if I do not cooperate?
If you do not share information or do not cooperate, for example with paternity establishment, the municipality may reduce or terminate your social assistance. Cooperation is a condition for your benefit.
Can the municipality stop recovering?
Yes, if your ex-partner has insufficient capacity, if recovery harms the bond with your children, or if the costs are too high relative to the yield, the municipality may refrain from recovery.