Would you like to live together? But are you hesitant to take the plunge because of the financial implications? For people on social security benefits, it can sometimes be a daunting prospect to take the step of moving in together. One of the two partners will have to give notice on their tenancy, and their income will also have to be shared.
For many people, the financial implications and the prospect of giving up their own home are reasons not to move in with a partner. Common questions include: ‘What if the relationship doesn’t work out after all?’ and ‘What if I no longer have my own income?’. To remove this ‘financial barrier’, the municipality of Apeldoorn offers a ‘trial cohabitation scheme for those on social security’.
Residents of the municipality of Apeldoorn who receive social assistance benefits may live together on a trial basis for up to six months. During the trial period, the social assistance benefits remain unchanged so that the resident can continue to pay the costs of their own home. If, after six months, the resident and their partner wish to continue living together, the social assistance benefit will be adjusted or stopped. If the trial period ultimately leads to more residents living together, this will have a positive impact on the availability of (social) rental accommodation.
These are the terms and conditions:
- You live in the municipality of Apeldoorn.
- You receive social assistance benefits from the municipality of Apeldoorn
- You and your partner will continue to live in your own homes whilst you are living together on a trial basis.
- You and your partner will remain registered at your respective addresses.
- You may only start a trial cohabitation arrangement once you have received permission from the local authority.
- Do you live in social housing? If so, you must inform the housing association yourself about the trial cohabitation arrangement.