Assistance for Young People

The municipality will determine whether you are eligible for youth assistance. If you receive assistance, that does not always mean you will receive money. In some cases, for example, you may receive food, clothing, or housing. The assistance may also take the form of a loan that you must repay later.

Cost-Sharing Standard When You Share a Home

The cost-sharing rule means that if you share a home with other adults, your social assistance benefits will be adjusted accordingly. The more adults living in your home, the lower your benefits will be. This is because if more people live in your home, you can share the housing costs. You can find more information about this on the Dutch government’s website at .

• You can apply for social assistance benefits through werk.nl.
• Log in using your DigiD.
• You will spend 4 weeks looking for a job or a training program.
• Keep all your cover letters and applications to staffing agencies for these 4 weeks.
• The municipality will work with you to determine how you can find a job quickly.
• If you have not found a job or a training program within these 4 weeks, the municipality will determine whether you are eligible for welfare benefits.
• If you are already receiving unemployment benefits, you should apply for social assistance benefits 4 weeks before your unemployment benefits end.
• During the last 4 weeks of your unemployment benefits, you must look for work or a training program.

Evidence showing that you have not found a job or a training program. This could include cover letters or rejection letters. You will also need the following information:

• a valid form of identification
• information about your housing situation (the amount of your rent or mortgage)
• income information (wages, alimony, tax refund)
• Information about your most recent job
• bank statements for your accounts
• an overview of your assets and any debts
• Letters from the Tax Authority regarding benefits or tax credits

If you live with your partner or spouse, you will also need the information listed above for him or her.

You will be notified within 8 weeks whether you will receive welfare benefits.

Advance Payment

Within 4 weeks of submitting your application, you will receive an advance payment from the municipality. You will continue to receive the advance payment until the municipality has made a decision regarding your eligibility for social assistance.

File an objection

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