Special assistance

What is it?

Special assistance is a benefit that allows you to pay for additional and special expenses. To be eligible, these expenses must:


  • These are costs that you would not normally incur, but which you now have to incur due to circumstances.

  • . These are costs that you must incur. The necessity of the costs is determined by the municipality, which seeks advice from an expert.
  • Not reimbursed elsewhere.
    If the costs can be reimbursed by health insurance or other insurance, you cannot receive special assistance for these costs. You may be able to apply for special assistance for the portion that is not reimbursed by insurance.

Examples of costs for which special assistance may be available

  • the personal contribution for home care
  • the personal contribution for legal aid
  • additional costs for a medically necessary diet
  • costs for washing clothes more frequently, for example due to a disability
  • additional costs incurred due to a sudden, necessary move or divorce (e.g., moving costs, furniture costs, high mortgage)
  • additional heating costs due to your illness
  • batteries for a hearing aid

In such cases, the municipality may grant special assistance. We only do this if we are convinced that the expenses are necessary and that you are unable to pay them.
The municipality will assess whether you will receive the special assistance as a gift or as a loan. 

What requirements must I meet?

You have a low income and little capital. You do not need to be receiving social assistance benefits. People who work but earn little and those receiving state pension (with or without a small pension) are also eligible for this scheme. Special assistance is a benefit that allows you to pay those extra and special costs.

You may be entitled to special assistance if you meet the following conditions, among others: 

  • you are legally resident in the Netherlands;
  • you do not have sufficient income and assets to pay the costs yourself;
  • you are 18 years of age or older;
  • your costs must be demonstrable, unforeseen, and necessary;
  • you have incurred costs due to special or urgent circumstances;
  • the costs cannot be reimbursed in any other way.

Additional conditions may sometimes apply. This depends on your personal situation.
 

What should I do?

You can apply for special assistance at Werkzaak Rivierenland.

They will assess whether the costs are unavoidable for you and arise from exceptional circumstances. They will also investigate whether you can claim the costs from an existing provision, such as your health insurance. If the costs arise from an illness, for example, external medical advice may be sought.

Keep all bills and receipts in a safe place! You will only receive special assistance if you can prove that you have actually incurred the costs.

If you incur the same costs for a longer period of time, you can apply for this in one go. For example, in the case of travel expenses for long-term treatment in hospital.

Additional information

Information and advice

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

Apply for special assistance

You can apply for special 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.

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