Applying for a UWV top-up when your income is too low
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Detailed explanation, checklist and sources
A benefit or sick-pay income below the Dutch social minimum may qualify for a UWV top-up. Age, household circumstances, income type and partner details matter. This supplement under the Toeslagenwet is separate from rent or healthcare allowances paid by Dienst Toeslagen.
On this page
1. Check whether this scheme fits
You must be at least 18 and below Dutch AOW pension age. You must live in the Netherlands or a country with an applicable Dutch agreement. You must also receive a UWV benefit, Ziektewet sickness benefit paid by a current or former employer, or reduced wages from your employer because of illness. Low income alone does not establish entitlement. If you live abroad, check applicability with UWV first.
2. Check the threshold and exclusions
UWV compares your total gross income, including your partner’s where applicable, with the threshold for your age and household. Use the current table and definitions of partners and home-sharers; housemates are not all treated alike. Voluntary employee insurance excludes entitlement, as does being under 21 and living with your parents. You are also excluded if married or cohabiting with a partner born after 31 December 1971 and no child under 12 lives with you. If your previous gross income was already below the threshold, the top-up cannot take you above that previous income.
3. Gather the facts that matter
Prepare the benefit or sick-pay type, start date and current gross amounts, plus previous wages. Record household details, ages, a partner’s birth date and whether children under 12 live with you. Gather evidence of relevant income for you and your partner as required by the UWV form. If facts are missing or the threshold is unclear, ask UWV; do not present estimates as established facts. Do not share your BSN, DigiD or medical documents here.
4. Apply promptly, including if discovered late
Apply as soon as you may meet the conditions. Rijksoverheid specifies within 6 weeks after your benefit starts or your circumstances or income change. UWV says retrospective applications are normally possible for up to one year; it may make an exception in a special case. This is not a reason to wait or a promise of full back payment: have the starting date and possible consequences of a late application assessed.
5. Use the correct official application
Open UWV’s official application page and select your benefit or situation. That selection determines whether to use Mijn UWV or complete, print and post a form to its stated address. A top-up can sometimes be included in a WW application; check whether yours actually included it. A generic letter is no substitute. Keep a copy and submission or delivery evidence. Our preparation does not submit an application.
6. Follow the decision and report changes
UWV says it will notify you about the application within 8 weeks and may request more information. Check receipt, requests and the actual decision period in your correspondence; this guidance guarantees no decision or payment date. Report relevant income and household changes promptly through the appropriate UWV route, including partner income. If refused, read the objection instructions and deadline in the decision. Our own help-request route can be used to seek preparation or assessment support; requesting help does not mean a professional has accepted your case. If one benefit immediately changes to another, the supplement usually continues without a new application. With a benefit it is paid together; on the employer route UWV pays weekly unless payment through the employer is agreed.
Can I apply for this UWV top-up through Mijn toeslagen?
No. Mijn toeslagen is for Dienst Toeslagen schemes. Apply for this income supplement through UWV’s route for your benefit or situation. The conditions differ too: low income alone is insufficient.
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- Benefit or sick-pay type and start date
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- Partner income and birth date; children under 12
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Contact with a lawyer
You can use the chat and information without a phone number. A contact request requires a phone number, a verified email address and your wish for telephone contact. Our team assesses which partner fits your question. Data is shared only under the stated consent procedure. A partner or engagement is not guaranteed.
View the current application processSources
Need personal assistance? Request a lawyer through our chat. We explain the next step; submitting a request does not engage a lawyer. The links below support the legal information.
UWV · Voorwaarden toeslag ↗UWV · Toeslag aanvragen ↗UWV · Sociaal minimum ↗Rijksoverheid · Wanneer toeslag op een uitkering ↗UWV · Wijzigingen doorgeven ↗Toeslagenwet · Artikel 11 lid 7 (versie 1 juli 2026) ↗Sources may be in Dutch. General information about Dutch law, not individual legal advice.