The cost-sharing norm is a rule that affects the amount of your social assistance benefit in Westland if you share a home with other adults. The principle is that you can divide living costs, so you need less financial support.
What does the cost-sharing norm entail?
The cost-sharing norm is applied if you live with other adults (from 21 years old) at the same address in Westland. The more adults in the household, the lower the social assistance benefit per person. This applies regardless of the relationship with the cohabitants.
Who counts?
- Everyone aged 21 and older registered at the same address
- Your partner always counts
- Children under 21 do NOT count
- Students with student finance do NOT count
- Room renters with a commercial lease agreement do NOT count
Amount of the benefit per cost-sharer
| Number of cost-sharers | Percentage per person | Amount (2024) |
|---|---|---|
| 1 person | 70% | € 1.281 |
| 2 persons | 50% | € 915 |
| 3 persons | 43.33% | € 793 |
| 4 persons | 40% | € 732 |
| 5 persons | 38% | € 695 |
Who falls outside the norm?
In some cases, persons do not count for the cost-sharing norm in Westland:
- Students - if they are entitled to student finance
- Young people under 21 - regardless of their work or income situation
- Commercial tenants - with an official lease agreement and a reasonable rent
- Boarders - who pay a business-like fee for accommodation and meals
Frequently asked questions about the cost-sharing norm
Does my live-in father count for the cost-sharing norm?
Yes, all persons aged 21 and older living at the same address in Westland count, including family members such as parents.
Can I avoid the cost-sharing norm by a separate registration?
No, the Municipality of Westland assesses the actual living situation. If you actually live together, the norm is applied, regardless of the registration.
What if my housemate has no income of their own?
This makes no difference. The cost-sharing norm assumes shared costs, regardless of whether someone has income or not.
Extra questions and answers
How does the municipality determine the number of cost-sharers if I live with my partner and an acquaintance?
All adults from 21 years old count, so you, your partner, and your acquaintance together form three cost-sharers. This means that your benefit in 2024 is reduced to 43.33%, or € 793 per person. The Municipality of Westland looks at the actual situation, not at the relationships between them.
What if I disagree with the decision on the cost-sharing norm?
If you disagree with the decision of the Municipality of Westland, you can file an objection within six weeks. Gather evidence that your situation is different, such as a commercial lease agreement, and consider seeking advice from the Juridisch Loket Westland or a lawyer specialized in social assistance matters via the District Court of The Hague.
Does a live-in sister of 20 years count?
No, young people under 21 do not count for the cost-sharing norm, even if they have income. This also applies to brothers and sisters under this age.
How does the norm work when renting to a student?
If you rent a room to a student with student finance, they do not count, even if they are older than 21. Ensure market-conform rent and an official contract. The municipality may request proof.
What if a cost-sharer moves out?
Report this immediately to the Municipality of Westland. They will adjust the number of cost-sharers, which may increase your benefit. Prompt reporting prevents issues such as recovery of benefits.
Does the norm also apply to temporary cohabitation, for example after a divorce?
Yes, the cost-sharing norm also applies in temporary situations if you actually live at the same address in Westland with other adults.