The future of the universal welfare state

The Faculty of Law values the social relevance of its scientific research. This relevance is best ensured by collaborating with companies, governments and organizations on real-world issues, for example with the GAK Institute.

Case: The future of the universal welfare state: between social assistance and a guaranteed minimum income

Social security contributes to protecting the underprivileged and reducing the gap between the underprivileged and the privileged. Universal schemes based on destinies between all groups in society have a special function in this regard. For the elderly, an example of such a scheme is the AOW, a frugal and easily implementable scheme with a broad basis: every Dutch citizen is affected at some point, both as a payer of premiums and as a recipient of the pension.

The research team consists of: Prof. Dr G.J. (Gijsbert) Vonk (project leader), Dr B. (Barbara) Brink, E.J. (Eddie) Bambrough, LLM, V. (Valery) Gantchev, LLM and M. (Maarten) Bouwmeester, LL.M.

Research question

This project explores options for a broad and easily implementable system of minimum income protection for people of working age. Under such a system, income support gradually decreases as one starts to earn more. Periods of (partial) unemployment and care can be bridged without major income shocks. Can such a system be realized through a merger of a (more) low-regulation social assistance with income-dependent benefits? What could such a system look like?

More information
Contact person: Prof. Dr Gijsbert Vonk