The Kitchen Table Conversation with the Municipality of Amsterdam

The Kitchen Table Conversation with the Municipality of Amsterdam

The kitchen table conversation is an accessible home visit by the Municipality of Amsterdam to map out your personal circumstances and care needs. This often happens for requests for assistance, care, or benefits under regulations such as the Wmo 2015 or Participation Act. The conversation takes place at your kitchen table and sheds light on your daily reality, enabling the municipality to make a tailored decision – emblematic of Amsterdam's vibrant diversity.

What does a kitchen table conversation in Amsterdam involve?

No formal interrogation, but an equal-footed discussion. A consultant from the Municipality of Amsterdam visits you at home to talk about your everyday challenges: what obstacles do you face? What can you manage yourself? What social network do you have in the city? This informs assessments for things like household support, guidance, mobility aids, or social assistance benefits.

In Amsterdam, this aims to bridge the gap between citizens and government, particularly in neighborhoods like the Jordaan or Bijlmer. It builds on free client support, where an independent helper from, say, the Amsterdam Legal Aid Office can assist you.

Legal basis in Amsterdam

The kitchen table conversation is enshrined in various social laws:

• Wmo 2015: Article 2.6(1) requires a needs assessment "preferably at the kitchen table." The Municipality of Amsterdam draws up a care plan based on this (art. 2.7).
• Participation Act: Article 17 describes the participation assessment, often conducted at home in Amsterdam.
• Youth Act: Article 2.4 calls for a home-based investigation into upbringing and development.
• Long-Term Care Act (Wlz): The CIZ conducts similar intake assessments (art. 2.1.3).

These laws mandate a client-centered approach by the Municipality of Amsterdam. Refusal may block your application, but alternatives like a video call are possible for home limitations (e.g., health or privacy).

Real-life examples from Amsterdam

Take Ms. Jansen (65) from Amsterdam-West, applying for Wmo assistance due to mobility issues. At the kitchen table, she shares her loneliness, cleaning struggles, and occasional family visits. The consultant notes the situation and approves 4 hours of household help.

Or Mr. De Vries (45) from Oost, seeking social assistance. The conversation reveals addiction and debt; he receives benefits plus referrals to Amsterdam's debt relief and reintegration services.

Under the Youth Act: a consultant meets parents and child in a Noord apartment block to discuss school and home life.

Rights and obligations in Amsterdam

Rights:

• Bring a trusted person or client supporter (free via Amsterdam Legal Aid Office or MEE).
• Opt for an appointment at City Hall instead of home.
• Access to the report (GDPR right).
• Appeal to the Amsterdam District Court (art. 7:1 Awb).

Obligations:

• Provide accurate information; inaccuracies may lead to recovery of benefits (art. 70 Participation Act).
• Cooperate with solutions.

Comparison: home vs. Amsterdam City Hall

Preparing for your conversation in Amsterdam

Follow these tips:

1. List your problems, needs, and your own efforts.
2. Gather documents: bills, medical statements, income proofs.
3. Seek help via free client support or Amsterdam Legal Aid Office.
4. Practice sensitive topics like finances or addiction.

After the conversation with the Municipality of Amsterdam

The consultant reports and decides within 6 weeks (Wmo) or 8 weeks (Participation Act). A written decision follows. Disagree? File an objection within 6 weeks. See also objection and appeal or Wmo application.

Frequently asked questions