After five years of assistance, a portion still flows into paid work

Research by Divosa indicates that the likelihood of finding work increases for individuals who have been on welfare for a short time. However, those on welfare for over five years can still find employment, with nearly a quarter of long-term recipients managing to secure jobs. The study highlights that about 40% of those on welfare for less than five years transition to work. Young individuals tend to exit welfare more quickly, while the aging population contributes to a rise in older welfare recipients. The percentage of welfare recipients moving into employment has decreased from 11.5% in 2021 to 7.9% in 2025, with many facing challenges such as debt and health issues. By the end of 2025, 410,000 people were receiving welfare benefits in the Netherlands.