Assistance, institution or home

If you are 21 years old or older and are going to a care facility, nursing home, rehabilitation clinic or other institution for more than 3 months, you can apply for a Social assistance benefit from the municipality. This Social assistance benefit consists of pocket and clothing allowance.

If you are already receiving assistance when you go to the institution or home, your Social assistance benefit will be reduced. This is because you will no longer have to pay some expenses (such as food) yourself.

How does it work?

The following Requirements apply to applying for assistance in an institution or home:

  • You are 21 years of age or older.
  • You are a Dutch national or assimilated to one. You are assimilated to a Dutch citizen if you come from an EU country, Liechtenstein, Norway, Iceland or Switzerland. You are also assimilated if you have a valid residence permit or are otherwise allowed by law to live in the Netherlands.
  • You live in the Netherlands.
  • You have no or not enough income of your own.
  • You have no or not enough equity. Consider your savings, purchase house and car.
  • You cannot get another benefit. For example, unemployment benefits or disability benefits.
  • The institution you are in is not a prison or tbs clinic.

What to do

To apply for assistance, go to the Work and Money page.

How long does it take?

You will be notified within 8 weeks whether you will receive the Social assistance benefit .

Advance

Within 4 weeks of your application, you will receive an advance from the municipality. You will continue to receive the advance until a decision is made by the municipality on whether you will receive assistance.

Objecting

If you disagree with the municipality's decision, you can object within 6 weeks.

Additional information

If you are not in the institution or home 7 days a week, the municipality may adjust the amount you receive accordingly.

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