General assistance

What is it?

General assistance is available if you do not have enough money to cover your living expenses. It serves as a last resort if, for example, you are not eligible for other benefits or student financial aid.

Social assistance supplements your income up to the benefit level that applies to you. If necessary, you will also receive help finding a job. This is because receiving Social assistance benefit a requirement to work.

How does it work?

In the Netherlands, you are eligible for general assistance if you meet the following Requirements:

  • you are legally residing in the Netherlands;
  • You are 18 years of age or older;
  • you do not have sufficient income or assets to support yourself;
  • you are not eligible for any other benefits or assistance that would enable you to support yourself;
  • You are not in prison or a detention center.

There are also a number of requirements you must meet if you Social assistance benefit .

Additional Requirements

In addition to the general Requirements additional Requirements the following groups:

What should I do?

You can Social assistance benefit at Werkzaak Rivierenland.

What do I need?

  • valid identification for you and, if applicable, your partner
  • proof of your income
  • proof of your debts
  • proof of your financial means (assets, such as savings, a car, a house, or stocks)
  • proof of your employment history (your most recent employer and the start and end dates of your contract)

Do you live with your partner and/or your children under the age of 18? If so, you will also need proof of their income, debts, and employment history.

What are the requirements?

Once you apply for welfare, you must comply with certain requirements. For example, you must look for paid work. If you fail to do so, your welfare benefits may be reduced or terminated. You may also be fined.

More about the requirements for receiving public assistance.

Moving to another municipality or abroad

If you move to another municipality, you will no longer receive social assistance from the municipality you are leaving. Register with your new municipality and Social assistance benefit there. If you move abroad, your Social assistance benefit the Netherlands will be terminated.

Social assistance for recipients of the State Old-Age Pension

Have you reached the age of eligibility for the AOW pension? If so, the Social Insurance Bank (SVB) will assess your eligibility for social assistance. The SVB administers the General Income Support for the Elderly (AIO) program. You can apply for social assistance through the SVB at.

Amount of the benefit

Social assistance supplements your income up to the applicable assistance standard. The amount of the Social assistance benefit on your age and your living situation. There are separate assistance standards for single people and for married couples and cohabiting partners.

Lower Social assistance benefit adult housemates (cost-sharing standard)

The number of adult household members is taken into account when determining the amount of your Social assistance benefit with the exception of your spouse or partner). The reason for this is that if more people live in your home, you can share the housing costs. This is known as the cost-sharing rule.

Living together while receiving welfare benefits is equivalent to being married

Do you live together or share a household? If so, the municipality may treat you the same as a married couple for social assistance purposes. In that case, just like a married couple, you are both entitled to a Social assistance benefit married couples.

Child living at home who is over 18 years of age

Young people aged 18 and older may be eligible for a general Social assistance benefit on their own. This also applies to young people living at home with their parents. For young people aged 18 to 21, whether they live at home or away from home, a lower general social assistance standard applies. This is known as the youth standard.

Is the young person 21 years of age or older? If so, they are entitled to the standard general assistance benefit, but may also be eligible for a (lower) cost-sharing benefit.

Young people under the age of 27 are not eligible for general assistance if they are still able to attend regular school. The reason is that these young people are then eligible for student financial aid.

Additional information

Information and advice

For information, advice, and support, please contact VraagWijzer West Maas en Waal

Apply for welfare assistance

You can apply for social assistance at Werkzaak Rivierenland.

You can reach Werkzaak Rivierenland by calling 088 9375 000, Monday through Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. Please send mail to Postbus . Postbus , 4190 CH Geldermalsen, or email info@werkzaakrivierenland.nl.

How can I get help with financial problems?

Many people feel guilty or ashamed when they can’t pay their bills (on time) or are in debt. But did you know that this happens much more often than you might think? Anyone can find themselves in financial trouble. Setbacks such as unemployment, illness, or divorce can put people in a difficult situation.

Are you worried about your financial situation? Having trouble paying all your bills on time? The first step is to seek help. For example, you can contact the organization that sent you the bill. You may be able to work out a payment plan.

For information and questions about finances and debts, you can contact VraagWijzer West Maas en Waal. For help with managing your finances, you can also contact Welfare Organization Sociom.

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