How does VraagWijzer work?

Self-reliance and participation are central to well-being and care in the municipality of West Maas en Waal. Participation means that people function well, feel good about themselves, and are part of a social network. Within your network, people can also help and support each other. Family, friends, neighbours, acquaintances, and so on, are important to each other. Together, we achieve better solutions. The government places more responsibility on the municipality when it comes to caring for vulnerable residents. The government expects that the municipality can do it better for less money because the municipality is closer to its residents. The municipality can only carry out this task if you participate.

This does not mean that citizens have to arrange everything themselves. If someone has thoroughly explored how they can solve their problem themselves with their network and a question still remains unanswered, then the municipality will look at where it can provide support. In West Maas en Waal, we have VraagWijzer for this. VraagWijzer is the gateway for all residents who have questions about Housing, Well-being, Work, Income, and Care.

How do I submit my healthcare request?

I have a healthcare need and require assistance with it. How do I go about this?

  • Please contact VraagWijzer 0487 790 790.
  • You can also email us at info@vraagwijzerwmw.nl. Please include your question in the email. If necessary, please provide additional details.
  • A VraagWijzer counselor VraagWijzer an appointment with you for a visit at your home. During this visit, we will discuss your question in more detail and work with you to find a possible solution.
  • You will receive a report (personal support plan). Please sign the report and add any comments you may have. Then return the report to VraagWijzer.

Does the report state that the municipality is responsible for finding a solution? Or have you indicated that you disagree with the solution outlined in the report and believe that the municipality should provide a solution to your problem?

By returning the report, you have automatically submitted an application.

As soon as possible after receiving the report, which includes a request for a municipal solution, VraagWijzer will let VraagWijzer know whether you are eligible.

What is a kitchen table discussion?

You have contacted VraagWijzer that you need assistance with a specific issue. In response, a VraagWijzer counselor will VraagWijzer you to schedule an appointment for a personal consultation at your home. This consultation is known as a “kitchen table meeting.”

The agreements reached during the meeting are then recorded in a meeting report. This meeting report is always submitted to you for approval.

Client Support

If you would like someone to be present during the meeting to help you think things through, that is of course perfectly fine. You can ask someone you know to accompany you. If you have a legal representative, we strongly recommend that this person be present during the meeting. If you don’t know anyone and would still like to have someone advise you during the meeting, you can request free client support through the municipality. You can mention this to the counselor who will schedule the appointment with you.

Topics of conversation

During the meeting, the counselor will work with you to identify and discuss the challenges you’re facing and explore possible solutions or support options. You may discover during the conversation that you can find solutions on your own, even without help from the municipality. Perhaps there is a grocery delivery service in your town that can deliver heavy groceries to your home, or you can break through the isolation you’re experiencing by participating in, for example, a community dinner or other activity. The counselor will also discuss with you whether help or support for your situation is available from your social network, such as family, friends, neighbors, etc. The counselor will work with you to list the available options.

It is also possible that more support is needed to help you with your situation. This could take the form of a customized service provided by the municipality. In that case, the counselor will discuss with you how that customized service can be arranged. This can range from providing household assistance to supporting your family with parenting issues, or offering temporary housing and sheltered housing.

The consultant will therefore discuss a wide range of topics with you, such as:

  • What's the problem? What can't you do now that you used to be able to do?
  • Since when has this been a problem?
  • How do you handle this?
  • Why isn't that a suitable solution?
  • What would you like to be able to do (on your own) again?
  • Do you receive help or support from family, friends, volunteers, or professionals? If so, from whom?
  • What do you think is needed to solve the problem?
  • What does your daily schedule look like?
  • What do you enjoy doing?

The meeting minutes

The counselor will prepare and sign a report of the meeting. This report will describe your situation, the problem at hand, and the ways in which support can be provided. Agreements will be made regarding this support. The agreement may involve you arranging the support yourself by utilizing your own network or a general service, or it may require the municipality to provide a customized service—and which one. Of course, depending on your situation, a combination of arrangements may be agreed upon. This report will be submitted to you for approval.

If you agree with the terms, please sign the report to indicate your approval. If you require a customized service from the municipality, this also serves as your application for that service—for example, assistance with household tasks or daytime activities, etc. You will then receive a formal decision specifying which customized service you will receive.

If you disagree with the agreements, please indicate in the meeting report which points you disagree with and how you believe support should be provided.

Example: If the counselor determines that you are eligible for social assistance through a general program and you disagree with this decision because you believe that your needs can only be met through a customized program provided by the municipality, you should note this in the meeting report and also specify which customized program you would like the municipality to provide.

In that case, please sign the meeting minutes with your comments and return them. Either a follow-up meeting will be scheduled with you, or you will receive a written denial decision on behalf of the Municipal Executive, against which you may file an appeal. 

You need your BSN for your Wmo application

Would you like to apply for assistance or support under the Wmo? If so, we will need your BSN. Your BSN is your Citizen Service Number. This is a personal number issued by the government.

  • We ask for your Social Security number to verify your identity and to process your application properly.
  • You must provide your Social Security number when you submit your application. You can do this on the application form or during a conversation with a staff member.
  • We handle your information securely and with care. We will use your Social Security number solely for this application.

Do you have any questions? Please feel free to contact us. We’re happy to help.

Do I have to pay a copayment?

Depending on the benefit granted by the municipality, you may be required to pay a copayment. The Central Administration Office (CAK) determines the amount of this copayment based on your income and assets, as well as any other benefits you receive. For this reason, your personal data is forwarded to the CAK, along with information regarding the benefit granted to you.

You will receive a written decision from the CAK. This document explains how your copayment, if any, was calculated and how you are required to pay it. The copayment is always due for a 4-week period.

Where can I file a complaint?

We’d love to hear if you’re satisfied. If you’re dissatisfied, we recommend discussing the issue first with the employee(s) involved. In most cases, you’ll be able to resolve the matter together. If you’re unable or unwilling to discuss your problem or complaint with the person involved, please contact the VraagWijzer team leader.

For more information, please visit the Sterker website at .