Are you out of work and do not have enough income or money in the bank to live on? Then you are probably entitled to benefits. This is a monthly payment from the government. You can read more about it on this page.
Welfare benefits are money you get if you have no income or not enough to live on. You only get this if you are not entitled to other benefits, such as unemployment benefits (WW).
You can apply for welfare benefits if you do not have a job and have not yet worked in the Netherlands. Or if you have worked less than 26 weeks (6 months) in the past 36 weeks (8 months).
You are entitled to welfare benefits in the Netherlands if you meet these conditions:
You live in the Netherlands and are a Dutch citizen or have a valid residence permit.
You are 18 years of age or older.
You do not have enough income or assets to live on, such as for rent and food.
You are not eligible for other benefits.
You are not in jail.
Municipalities arrange welfare benefits for people living in their municipality. Sometimes you have to do something in return for your benefit, such as volunteering or taking Dutch lessons.
Have you borrowed money from the municipality to furnish your home? If so, an amount may be deducted from your welfare benefit each month until your loan is repaid.
You can apply for welfare benefits from your municipality. To do so, make an appointment with your municipality.
You can also apply online
Would you prefer to apply for benefits online? Follow these steps:
Go to www.werk.nl and click on 'uitkering' (benefits).
Click on the blue button 'Inschrijven als werkzoekende / bijstandsuitkering aanvragen' (register as a job seeker / apply for welfare benefits).
Log in with your
Complete the application.
Are you entitled to welfare benefits? Then you will receive it from the day of application to the municipality. You will not receive welfare benefits for a period prior to your application. Make your application as soon as possible to avoid losing money.
Your contact at