Receiving gifts while on benefits

We have set up some rules for gifts that are not settled with your benefits. These rules can be found on this page.

What is a gift?

A gift is a monetary sum or an object that you receive. You receive it from someone or from an organisation that wishes to give this to you. You do not have to pay them back and you do not have to provide any services in return for this gift.

You receive, for example:

• Money to help pay your bills
• Money to help push you through the month
• A refrigerator or washing machine

What are not gifts?

The following are a few examples:

• Winning a price in a lottery, for which your received lottery ticket
• A bonus of an employer (sometimes you may keep this on top of your benefits)
• Partner and or child alimony
• Inheritance
• Volunteer allowance
• Damage compensation
• Sums which you cannot see if it is a gift

Are you unsure if we will consider a certain amount or item as income/assets or as a gift? Please call your account manager.

Report the gifts you receive

The amount of gifts you can receive each year without it affecting your benefits depends on your living situation.

• A single person may receive a maximum of €1,800 per year
• If you are married, cohabitating or a single parent, then you may receive a maximum of €2,400 per year

You will have to report the gifts that you receive the moment you reached the threshold amount (€1,800 or €2,400).

Example

A family member promises to help you in the first year that you are on benefits. You receive €200 every month from the family member. After 9 months, you will have to report this to your account manager. This is because you have received more than €1,800.

Your account manager will look at your personal situation and decide if the gift is necessary. The account manager will, for example, look at your medical situation, your family situation and if you have debts. If the account manager decides that the gifts are not necessary, then you will receive €200 less in benefits from that moment onward.

Gifts in kind

Gifts in kind means that you do not receive money, but items or services.

• You do not have to report gifts in kind from charities such as the food banks and charity shops, social funds and aid organisations.
• You do not have to report gifts in kind such as groceries or clothing. However, you must report large gifts, such as refrigerators or a mobility scooter. Please call your account manager if you are unsure if you have to report a gift in kind.

Important information

Have you received a gift and are you unsure if this has consequences for your benefits? Please call 14 036. That way we can make sure that there are no misunderstandings about the gift and if you have to pay back money or not.

The municipality is allowed to check your gifts. We recommend to keep track of the amount you receive in your own administration. That way you will be aware on when you reach your threshold amount. If it turns out that you have not reported a gift, then it is possible that you will have to pay this back.