General assistance

What is it?

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

Social assistance supplements your income up to the social assistance standard that applies to you. If necessary, you will also receive help in finding a job. This is because social assistance benefits come with a work obligation.

How does it work?

You are entitled to general assistance in the Netherlands if you meet the following conditions:

  • you are legally resident in the Netherlands;
  • you are 18 years of age or older;
  • you do not have sufficient income or assets to support yourself;
  • you cannot claim any other benefit or allowance that would enable you to support yourself;
  • You are not in prison or a detention center.

There are also a number of obligations that apply if you receive social assistance benefits.

Additional conditions for assistance

In addition to the general terms and conditions, there are additional terms and conditions for the following groups:

What should I do?

You can apply for social assistance benefits at Werkzaak Rivierenland.

What do I need?

  • valid proof of identity for you and, if applicable, your partner
  • proof of your income
  • proof of your debts
  • proof of your assets (possessions, such as savings, car, house, shares)
  • proof of your employment history (your last employer and the start and end dates of your contract)

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

What requirements must I meet?

Once you have applied for social assistance, you must comply with certain obligations. For example, you must look for paid work. If you fail to do so, your social assistance may be reduced or terminated. You may also be fined.

More about the obligations in social 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 reapply for social assistance benefits there. If you move abroad, your social assistance benefits in the Netherlands will stop.

Assistance for persons entitled to state pension

Have you reached the age of entitlement to a state pension (AOW)? If so, the Social Insurance Bank (SVB) will assess your entitlement to social assistance. The SVB administers the General Income Provision for Elderly Persons (AIO). You can apply for social assistance from the SVB at.

Amount of assistance

Social assistance supplements your income up to the social assistance standard that applies to you. The amount of social assistance benefits depends on your age and your living situation. There are separate social assistance standards for single people and for married couples and cohabiting couples.

Lower social assistance benefits for adult housemates (cost-sharing standard)

The number of adult housemates counts towards 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 living expenses. This is called the cost-sharing standard.

Living together while receiving welfare benefits is equivalent to being married

Do you live together or do you share a household? If so, the municipality may treat you as married for social assistance purposes. This means that, just like a married couple, you are jointly entitled to social assistance benefits for married couples.

Child over the age of 18 living at home

Young people aged 18 and over are independently entitled to general social assistance benefits. This also applies to young people who live with their parents. A lower general social assistance standard applies to young people aged 18 to 21 who live at home or away from home. This is known as the youth standard.

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

Young people under the age of 27 are not entitled to general assistance if they are still able to attend regular education. The reason for this is that these young people are then entitled to student finance.

Additional information

Information and advice

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

Apply for assistance

You can apply for assistance at Werkzaak Rivierenland.

You can reach Werkzaak Rivierenland by calling 088 9375 000, Monday through Friday between 9:00 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. Please send mail to PO Box 321, 4190 CH Geldermalsen, or email info@werkzaakrivierenland.nl.

How can I get help with money problems?

Many people feel guilty or ashamed when they cannot pay their bills (on time) or are in debt. But did you know that this is much more common than you might think? Anyone can find themselves in financial difficulty. Setbacks such as unemployment, illness, or divorce can cause people to get into trouble.

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. Perhaps you can arrange a payment plan.

For information and questions about financial matters and debts, please contact VraagWijzer West Maas en Waal. For help with managing your finances, you can also contact the Sociom welfare organization.

Did you find what you were looking for?