Special assistance

What is it?

Special assistance is a benefit that helps you cover additional and special expenses. To be eligible, these expenses must:


  • These are expenses you wouldn’t normally incur, but which you now have to pay due to current circumstances.

  • These are expenses you are required to pay. The necessity of these expenses is determined by the municipality, which may seek advice from an expert.
  • You are not eligible for reimbursement from any other source.
    If the costs are covered by health insurance or another type of insurance, you are not eligible for special assistance for those costs. You may be able to apply for special assistance for the portion not covered by insurance.

Examples of expenses for which special assistance may be available

  • the patient copayment for home care
  • the copayment for legal aid
  • additional costs for a medically necessary diet
  • costs associated with washing clothes more frequently, for example due to a disability
  • additional expenses incurred due to a sudden, necessary move or divorce (such as moving costs, furniture costs, or a high mortgage)
  • additional heating costs due to your illness
  • batteries for a hearing aid

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

What are the requirements?

You have a low income and little personal assets. You do not need Social assistance benefit receiving Social assistance benefit . Low-income workers and people receiving the State Old-Age Pension (AOW)—whether or not they have a small private pension—are also eligible for this program. Special Assistance is a benefit that helps you cover those extra and special expenses.

You may be eligible for special assistance if you meet the following Requirements, among others: 

  • you are legally residing in the Netherlands;
  • you do not have sufficient income and assets to cover the costs yourself;
  • You are 18 years of age or older;
  • Your expenses must be verifiable, unforeseen, and necessary;
  • you have incurred expenses due to special or urgent circumstances;
  • The costs cannot be reimbursed in any other way.

In some cases, additional Requirements may Requirements . 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 result from exceptional circumstances. They will also determine whether you can claim the costs through another available source, such as your health insurance. If the costs result from an illness, for example, external medical advice may be sought.

Be sure to keep all your bills and receipts! You will only receive special assistance if you can prove that you have actually incurred the expenses.

If you have recurring expenses over an extended period, you can apply for reimbursement in a single payment. For example, travel expenses for a long-term hospital treatment.

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 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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