Lageinkomens

Lageinkomens is a Dutch term that refers to individuals or households whose income is considered low relative to a benchmark. In policy and statistics, the concept is typically defined by disposable income after taxes and transfers, adjusted for household size and composition. A common measurement is income relative to the national median, with a frequent threshold set at 60% of the median (equivalised), which identifies those at risk of poverty or social exclusion. Other approaches use absolute poverty lines or specific eligibility criteria for social benefits.

In the Netherlands, lageinkomens are monitored by official statistics offices and researchers to assess poverty and social inclusion. The share of people with lageinkomens is influenced by factors such as unemployment, low wages, part-time or unstable work, health issues, and high housing costs. Regions, age groups, and household types can show different levels of risk, making targeted policy responses important.

Policy responses aim to reduce lageinkomens through a combination of taxation, social benefits, and labor market measures. Tools include the provision of social transfers (for example housing allowances and healthcare subsidies), minimum wage policies, child and family benefits, and active efforts to improve earnings potential through education and employment programs. Policy evaluation often examines changes in the relative poverty rate, material deprivation, and overall living standards.

Data sources commonly used to study lageinkomens include Statistics Netherlands (CBS), OECD, and EU indicators such as the at-risk-of-poverty measure. While the exact threshold may vary, the concept remains central to discussions of social protection, equity, and living standards.