Municipal Emergency Allowance Amsterdam: Urgent Assistance in Acute Situations
The municipal emergency allowance in Amsterdam provides temporary financial support in acute emergency situations, such as a broken refrigerator or unexpected repairs. Part of the Special Assistance Act, available through the Municipality of Amsterdam. Read how to apply and exercise your rights.
What Does the Emergency Allowance in Amsterdam Entail?
This emergency allowance Amsterdam is special assistance for financial crisis situations. One-off or short-term for, among others:
- Unexpected repairs, such as a leaking roof or broken boiler.
- Healthcare costs outside insurance, e.g. aids.
- Travel expenses for job interviews or medical appointments.
- Food assistance in case of temporary loss of income.
Not for long-term problems; for that social assistance Amsterdam.
Legal Basis in Amsterdam
Based on the Special Assistance Act (Wbb):
- Art. 1: Emergency support.
- Art. 2: Necessary and unavoidable.
- Art. 3: Check for alternatives such as healthcare allowance.
- Art. 10: Refusal if preventable.
Plus GAlg and local Amsterdam Special Assistance Ordinance. For complaints: Amsterdam District Court, Parnassusweg 220 or Legal Aid Office Amsterdam, Vijzelstraat 77.
Conditions for Emergency Allowance Amsterdam
Three criteria:
- Urgent: Immediate need, e.g. winter heating failure.
- Indispensable: Non-postponable, such as food spoilage due to broken refrigerator.
- No alternative: No other benefits or assistance.
Amsterdam must investigate alternatives, but does not enforce them.
Examples of Emergency Allowance Amsterdam
| Situation | Example | Possible in Amsterdam? |
|---|---|---|
| Household | Broken washing machine leading to hygiene problems. | Yes, without own resources. |
| Medical | Glasses for work, not insured. Amsterdam District Court, Parnassusweg 220. | Yes, with proof of necessity. |
| Travel costs | Bus to hospital or job interview. | Yes, with receipts. |
| Food | Income lost, no reserves. Legal Aid Office Amsterdam, Vijzelstraat 77. | Yes, temporarily. |
Application Procedure Amsterdam
1. Contact Work, Income and Participation Amsterdam via 020-254 8935 or amsterdam.nl.
2. Submit application with proof (invoices, income statement).
3. Decision within 8 weeks (GAlg).
4. Objection: within 6 weeks to the municipality.
Assistance in Case of Rejection
Consult Legal Aid Office Amsterdam (Vijzelstraat 77) or Amsterdam District Court (Parnassusweg 220). They assess compliance with the Wbb.