KNM topic guide
Housing, work and income (Wonen, werk en inkomen)
Renting, rent benefit, moving and waste, contracts, tax, UWV, DigiD and the BSN: the housing and work themes of the KNM exam with a real practice question in Dutch.
Housing and work are the two most practical KNM themes: where you live and how you earn your money. The questions ask what you do in real situations, so the guides explain each situation step by step.
For housing, learn who you sign a rental contract with, what the rent benefit is, what to report when you move, how waste is separated and what to do about noisy neighbours. For work and income, learn the BSN, DigiD, contracts and payslips, tax, the UWV and benefits.
Housing in the Netherlands
Renting a home, rent benefit, moving house, sorting your waste and getting along with the neighbours.
What each guide covers
- Renting a homeWhen you rent, you sign a rental contract (huurcontract) with the landlord.
- Rent benefit and other allowancesIf your income is low and your rent is not too high, the government can pay part of your rent.
- Moving house and registeringWhenever you move, you must tell the municipality (gemeente) your new address.
- Waste and recyclingThe Dutch separate their waste to recycle as much as possible.
- Neighbours and house rulesGood contact with your neighbours (buren) makes life easier.
Remember for the exam
- You sign the rental contract with the landlord and pay the rent every month.
- Rent benefit (huurtoeslag) comes from the Tax Authority and depends on income and rent. Report every change.
- Tell the municipality about your move within five days after moving.
- Separate your waste: organic, paper, glass, plastic/metal/cartons, and general waste.
- With noisy neighbours: talk first, then mediation or the landlord, and the police only in an emergency.
Work and income in the Netherlands
The BSN and DigiD, employment contracts, paying tax, the UWV and the benefits you may be entitled to.
What each guide covers
- The BSN: your citizen service numberThe BSN (burgerservicenummer) is your personal number for the government.
- DigiD: your digital identityDigiD is the login for government services on the internet.
- Employment contracts and your rightsWhen you work for an employer, you should have a written employment contract (arbeidsovereenkomst).
- Paying taxEveryone who earns money in the Netherlands pays tax.
- The UWV and unemploymentThe UWV is the Employee Insurance Agency.
- Benefits and the safety netThe Dutch welfare state helps people who cannot support themselves.
Remember for the exam
- The BSN is your number for work, tax, health insurance and school. DigiD is your login for government services.
- Never give your DigiD codes to anyone.
- You have a right to a contract, at least the minimum wage and a payslip, and discrimination at work is forbidden.
- Employers withhold wage tax; once a year you may file a tax return with the Tax Authority.
- Lost your job? Apply at the UWV at once. No income at all? Social assistance comes from the municipality. Always report changes.
A sample question from the bank
Vraag: Wat is huurtoeslag? Antwoord: Geld van de overheid voor mensen met een laag inkomen die huur betalen. (What is rent benefit?)
Vraag: Wat is het BSN? Antwoord: Het burgerservicenummer: uw persoonlijke nummer voor de overheid.
Questions people ask
What is DigiD?
Your digital login for government websites, for example for tax or your municipality.
Who do I call if my rented home has a problem?
You report it to the landlord in writing, and if nothing happens you can ask the rent committee or a tenants’ help team.
What is the difference between rent benefit and a benefit like WW?
Rent benefit (huurtoeslag) is an allowance from the Tax Authority that helps you pay your rent when your income is low. The WW is an unemployment benefit from the UWV that you can get after you lose a job. They are different payments from different organisations.
When must I tell the municipality that I moved?
You report your new address no earlier than four weeks before the move and no later than five days after it. You can do it online with your DigiD. Many other organisations get the new address from the municipality, but you should still check.
Who do I give my BSN to?
Only to organisations that are allowed to ask for it: your employer, the Tax Authority, your health insurer, your school, your GP and the government. Do not give it to a stranger by phone or e-mail, and keep your identity document safe.
More guides
Ready to practise?
Study the questions by theme, then take the timed practice exam.