Number of social security benefits 20 thousand down in less than 1 year

  • Reduction by over 7 percent relative to June 2007
  • Most substantial reduction among young people
  • Marginal increase in benefits in the category ‘less than one year’ in 2nd quarter

In the second quarter of 2008, the number of social security benefits paid to under-65s was reduced by 2.6 thousand to 268 thousand. According to the most recent figures released by Statistics Netherlands, the decline relative to  the same quarter one year previously was more than 20 thousand.

In the period July 2007 - June 2008, the number of social security benefits was reduced by 7.3 percent. The reduction rate slowed down, as it was nearly 10 percent in the period July 2006 - June 2007.

In de period July 2007 ‑ June 2008, the most substantial reduction in social security benefits by nearly 14 percent was recorded among young people under the age of 35. This applies to both genders. There was also a remarkable reduction by over 10 percent in the 35 – 45 age bracket.

The amount of social security benefits in the category ‘less than one year’ rose by 1.5 thousand in the second quarter of 2008. Long-term benefits almost entirely accounted for the decline in social security benefits.