Get social assistance (bijstand) in the Netherlands

Income support from your municipality when you cannot cover basic costs

Social assistance, called bijstand, is paid by your municipality when you and your partner have too little income and savings to live on. You normally have to live in the Netherlands and be registered at your address, and you are expected to look for work. An application often starts online with DigiD, the government login, by phone, or at a counter. Rules for people who have only just arrived are strict, so ask before you apply.

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How it works

Get social assistance

Find local help if you cannot cover rent, food or other basic costs.

If you cannot cover basic living costs such as rent, food or energy, your local social services can assess what help you are entitled to. Support can include a monthly allowance, emergency payments, help with debts or housing, and advice. You usually start with an intake appointment at the office that serves your address. Bring your ID, proof of address and information about your income, savings, rent and household. Each type of support has its own conditions, and the office decides after assessing your situation.

Also searched as

social assistancesocial welfaresocial servicesfinancial helpemergency financial helpminimum incomehelp paying rent

At a glance

Offices
148 offices in 77 cities
Book online
At 48 of 148 offices
Apply online
At 74 of 148 offices

Where you live decides who handles your case

Your municipality’s social assistance office

Larger cities often have several desks, from a main town hall counter to neighbourhood offices that help with forms. Each works in its own way, from taking applications to answering questions.

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Other countries

The same task in other countries

Moving on, or comparing before you decide? See how this works elsewhere.

Where to next

Offices that handle social assistance

Compare municipal offices by city and check whether you start online, by phone or at a counter.

Social assistance offices in the Netherlands

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