ROTTERDAM, 28 January 2026 – The City of Rotterdam has launched a new campaign and digital calculation tool to disprove the persistent myth that moving from benefits to employment offers no financial gain. Research shows that the vast majority of residents leaving social assistance experience a significant increase in their monthly disposable income.
For many years, a segment of Rotterdammers receiving social assistance (bijstand) has been hesitant to enter the workforce due to concerns about their net earnings. To address these doubts, our city has introduced a calculation tool (rekentool) that allows job seekers to sit down with their work coaches and see exactly how a job offer or a hypothetical role would impact their bank account.
The tool provides an immediate breakdown of the financial advantages of paid employment compared to staying on benefits. Crucially, the software accounts for complex changes in national subsidies (toeslagen) and local exemptions, ensuring that you get a realistic picture of your potential take-home pay.
Local research confirms income growth
A study conducted by Erasmus University supports this push, revealing that 94 per cent of people who leave social assistance for a job see their income rise. In many cases, this increase amounts to hundreds of pounds per month. Even when including those who already had small side earnings while on benefits, 82 per cent still saw a clear financial improvement upon finding full-time work.
Beyond the money, the city emphasises that employment provides structure, social connections, and a sense of participation that is difficult to quantify. Councillor Tim Versnel, responsible for Work and Income, noted that the myth of stagnant wages is harmful and must be punctured on an individual basis so that everyone knows where they stand.
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Reaching out to the neighbourhoods
The "Working Pays" (Werken Loont) campaign is heading directly into our local neighbourhoods to reach those who are able to work but remain undecided. You may spot the campaign mascot, a giant calculator, appearing at local markets and supermarkets to encourage residents to start the conversation with their work coaches.
Posters and flyers are being distributed at community hubs (wijkhubs) across the city to make the information as accessible as possible. Our local government has ensured that extra capacity is available within the coaching service, meaning if you decide to book an appointment to use the tool, you can do so without a long wait.
