Social security benefits

The reference population is households with at least one person aged 15-65 years, claiming one or more of the following benefits:
• Disability benefit (WAO, WIA, WAZ or Wajong)
• Income support (WWB)
• Unemployment benefit (WW)
• Survivors’ benefit (Anw)

Households receiving old age pension (AOW), sickness benefit, reduced pay, or child allowance are not included.

Disability benefits
These are paid under the WIA scheme and the Wajong scheme (for young people).
WIA replaced the WAO scheme in 2006. People who became disabled before 2004 continue to receive a benefit under the WAO scheme, and are included in this survey.

Income support
These results are based on figures from municipalities about the number of income support benefits they pay.

Unemployment benefit
Employees dismissed from their job may be entitled to unemployment benefit. Unemployment benefit is paid for a limited period of time, the length of which depends on how long the claimant has been in paid employment.

Survivors’ benefit
These benefits are paid under the Anw scheme. This scheme replaced the AWW scheme in 1996. One of the main differences between the two schemes is that the new scheme gives married and unmarried couples equal rights.