Where to apply for social assistance in the Netherlands

Applications go to the municipality where you live

Each municipality sets its own first step. In some places you apply online with DigiD, in others you phone first, which can fix your application date, or sign up on werk.nl before an adviser contacts you. Offices also have their own help for people who find the form hard, and their own list of what to prepare.

1 office in Alphen aan den Rijn
  • Alphen aan den Rijn

    Gemeentehuis Alphen aan den Rijn

    Stadhuisplein 1, 2405 SH Alphen aan den Rijn

    Register on werk.nl first, then phone or walk in to the service desk to start your application.

    Prepare identification, income evidence, bank statements for the last three months, assets and debts, rent or mortgage information and dates of your last employment. Include your partner’s evidence if you live together. Copies and printing can be arranged at intake. National rules since 2026 allow a valid driving licence for a bijstand application. Ask what additional documents your circumstances require.

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Other everyday services in Netherlands

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The same task in other countries

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Where to next

Social assistance for basic living costs

See who can apply for income support, what a municipality takes into account and where to get advice if the application is difficult.

Social assistance in the Netherlands