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.

2 offices in Goes
  • Goes

    GR de Bevelanden — Werk, Inkomen en Zorg

    M.A. de Ruijterlaan 2, 4461 GE Goes

    If you are 27 or older, start with a phone call and expect a callback from an intake worker within three working days.

    Ask the intake worker for the identity and financial-document checklist. The assessment includes bank statements, income, assets and the people you live with; ask which statement details may be masked. Tell the team about another potential benefit and any language-support needs. If you are under 27, discuss whether a four-week work/study search period applies or whether your circumstances qualify for immediate help under the 2026 rules.

  • Goes

    SMWO Goes — Formulierenspreekuur

    's-Heer Elsdorpweg 12, 4461 WK Goes

    Book a volunteer appointment by phone to get help completing forms for benefits and low-income support.

    Fill in as much of the form as you can beforehand and bring the documents and information relevant to the application. The provider says a working DigiD (the Dutch digital ID for government websites) is important for most requests. Explain which form or letter you need help with so the volunteer can prepare.

Related services

Other everyday services in Netherlands

Other countries

The same task in other countries

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

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