Social assistance, institution or care home

If you are 21 years of age or older and will be staying at a healthcare facility, nursing home, rehabilitation clinic, or other institution for more than 3 months, you can apply for a “ Social assistance benefit ” (residency allowance) from the municipality. This “ Social assistance benefit ” consists of an allowance for personal expenses and a clothing allowance.

If you are already receiving public assistance when you move into the facility or nursing home, your " Social assistance benefit " will be reduced. This is because you will no longer have to pay for certain expenses (such as meals) yourself.

How does it work?

The following conditions apply when applying for assistance in an institution or residential facility Requirements:

You are 21 years of age or older.
You are a Dutch citizen or treated as such. You are treated as a Dutch citizen if you come from an EU country, Liechtenstein, Norway, Iceland, or Switzerland. You are also treated as such if you hold a valid residence licence or are otherwise legally permitted to reside in NL.
You live in NL.
You have no or insufficient personal income.
You have no or insufficient personal assets. DENK here of your savings, owner-occupied home, and car.
You cannot receive any other benefits. For example, unemployment benefits or the incapacity benefit.
The institution where you reside is not a prison or forensic psychiatric facility (tbs-kliniek).

What to do?

For a social assistance application, go to the product Social assistance, benefit.

How long does it take?

You will be notified within 8 weeks whether you have been awarded the " Social assistance benefit ."

Advance payment

Within 4 weeks of your application, you will receive an advance payment from the municipality. You will continue to receive this advance payment until a decision has been made by the municipality or you receive social assistance.

File an objection

If you disagree with the municipality's decision, you can lodge an objection within 6 weeks.

Extra information

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