Many unemployed and disabled in eastern part of the Netherlands

Municipalities where the proportion of people receiving unemployment and disability benefits was high in June 2011 are mainly found in the eastern part of the Netherlands. Social security recipients, on the other hand, are relatively often found in the larger cities.

Mainly in Groningen and Limburg

Municipalities where the number of unemployment and disability benefit recipients is above average are predominantly found in the provinces of Groningen and Limburg and in parts of the provinces of Overijssel, Drenthe and Gelderland. In the western provinces, the proportions more or less equal the national average.

Municipalities where the proportion of people receiving unemployment and disability benefits is above average (more than 22 and more than 70 per 1,000 persons in the age category 15-65 respectively, June 2011)

Peaks in Limburg

With more than 120 in every 1,000 persons, the work disability rate was very high in the municipalities of Heerlen and Brunssum in June 2011. The nationwide ratio was 70 in every 1,000. In the municipality of Venlo, the proportion of unemployment benefit (WW) recipients was substantial, i.e. 33 per 1,000 persons, against a nationwide average of 22 per 1,000.

Wajong recipient rate relatively high in northern part of the Netherlands

The number of Dutch municipalities with an above-average rate of Wajong benefit recipients has risen in June 2011 relative to June 2010. The majority of these municipalities are situated in the provinces of Groningen, Friesland and Drenthe, but extremely high ratios are found elsewhere. In Gennep (Limburg) and Zoeterwoude (South Holland), the ratios were 62 and 55 per 1,000 persons respectively in June 2011. In smaller municipalities, the presence of health care institutions may account for the high proportion of Wajong benefit recipients.

Municipalities where the proportion of people receiving Wajong benefits is above average (more than 18 per 1,000 persons in the age category 15-65, June 2011)

Proportion of people living on social security higher in major Dutch cities

In larger cities, the amount of people receiving social security benefits is relatively high. In the municipality of Rotterdam, the number of people living on social security benefits increased rapidly from 92 to 96 per 1,000 residents between June 2010 and June 2011. The average nationwide ratio for the Netherlands was 36 to 1,000. In the other three major Dutch cities, the number of social security applicants also increased, e.g. in Amsterdam the ratio rose from 73 to 76 per 1,000 residents.

Municipalities where the proportion of people receiving social security benefits is above average (more than 36 per 1,000 persons in the age category 15-65, June 2011)

Miriam de Roos