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Oostende (Eurotoday) – OCMW Oostende introduces stricter rules for living wage eligibility, with faster assessments of work readiness and inclusion of family income in decisions.
For instance, applicants for a living wage will now have their willingness to work evaluated at the time of application rather than after. The computation will now consider family income rather than individual income.
“In this way, we want to stabilise the influx of people on living wages and reduce the administrative workload for social workers”,
says Alderman for Economy Charlotte Verkeyn (N-VA).
In specific terms, it will now be determined whether the applicant tries to find employment before the subsistence pay is given.
“That guideline has actually been applied for 17 years at the RVA to award support for unemployment benefits,”
says alderman Charlotte Verkeyn (N-VA).
“But that guideline was not the case at the OCMW in Ostend, in fact: we were one of the few in the region to apply the rule in this way.”
From now on, anyone wishing to qualify for a minimum income will need to demonstrate that they have already put in enough effort to find employment.
“Guidelines have been drawn up to investigate this willingness to work, which we are now going to apply,”
says Verkeyn.
“Before the intake phase takes place, it will be checked whether there are indeed any applications.”
Considering family income rather than individual income.
When determining a minimal income, the OCMW will now also consider the income per household.
“We will take into account the means of subsistence at the same address of the applicant,”
says Verkeyn.
“Figures show that for more than half of the living wages awarded, the family income is higher than what is considered a decent income,”
says Verkeyn.
“That is why the family situation will now be mapped out: who lives there and whether there is cost-sharing cohabitation.”
“Every now and then we will also review all the files. There needs to be a change in the way we handle the files. Support from the OCMW is not a win-for-life”,
it sounds.
With these measures, the city wants to stabilize the influx of people on social assistance and reduce the administrative workload for social workers.
“We are committed to fair assistance and social integration through job activation, in line with the law and with an eye for personal circumstances,”
says Verkeyn.
Comments
8 responses to “OCMW Oostende Strengthens Living Wage Regulations”
Ah, the OCMW in Oostende finally decided to join the 21st century—how noble of them!
Next, they’ll be telling us that water is wet.
So, let me get this straight—if you want a living wage now, you’ve gotta prove you’re actually trying to find a job? Genius! Next, they’ll have us filling out forms to prove we know how to breathe!
Brilliant! So now we need to check if you’re even remotely interested in working before we decide to throw you a few crumbs.
But hey, at least we’re keeping it ‘fair’—in true Belgian style, of course!
Looks like OCMW Oostende has finally decided to get off its behind and actually check if folks are trying to work before tossing them a living wage. Bravo, a round of applause for finally joining the 21st century!
Typical Belgies, right? Just when you thought getting a living wage was as easy as a pint at the café, they throw in family income checks and job readiness evaluations – it’s almost like they want you to work for your money or something!
Blimey, who knew living wages required a family reunion? Next, they’ll want to check if you’ve dusted under the couch before signing the cheque!
Oh, brilliant move there, OCMW! Because nothing says “we care” quite like making applicants jump through hoops while pretending it’s all for their own good, right?
Such a revolutionary approach to living wages, who knew checking if people wanted to work before handing out cash was a thing?
Must be a bold move to keep the cash flowing only to those truly “in need” – or as we say, “no free lunch, mate!”
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