Necessary Costs Assessment for Special Assistance in Amsterdam
Necessary costs in Amsterdam are expenditures that cannot be postponed and are crucial for your daily life, health, or safety. For Special Assistance from the Municipality of Amsterdam, it is strictly assessed whether costs are reimbursable. This is often a stumbling block for Amsterdammers in acute financial difficulties.
What counts as necessary costs in Amsterdam?
In Amsterdam's practice, necessary costs include expenditures that directly relate to basic needs or urgent emergencies, such as:
- Food packages (e.g., if your refrigerator is broken and repair is not possible)
- Urgent medical expenses (glasses, hearing aid, emergency medication, or dentist visit)
- Repair of vital equipment (e.g., central heating boiler, refrigerator, or washing machine in social housing)
- Emergency shelter or temporary housing (e.g., in case of eviction or fire in an Amsterdam property)
- Public transport costs for work or job interviews (e.g., GVB return ticket for a crucial meeting)
The Municipality of Amsterdam checks whether costs are unavoidable and you truly cannot bear them yourself, in accordance with the Special Assistance Act (article 1 paragraph 1) and local regulations.
Legal basis and Amsterdam rules
The assessment follows:
- Special Assistance Act (Wbb), art. 1 para. 1: Aimed at neediness that cannot be addressed otherwise.
- General Administrative Order on Special Assistance, art. 2.1: For costs not covered by income or other arrangements.
- Amsterdam Special Assistance Regulations 2024: Specific requirements, see municipal website. Amsterdam applies strict standards for 'one-off necessary costs'.
Amsterdam assesses based on:
- Urgency: Immediate danger, e.g., defective heating in wintery Amsterdam canal houses.
- No alternatives: No own assets, loans, or other assistance such as supplementary benefit.
- Reasonableness: Only basic repairs, no luxury upgrades.
Amsterdam practice examples
Typical cases in Amsterdam:
| Situation | Amsterdam example | Reimbursed in Amsterdam? |
|---|---|---|
| Food assistance | No money for AH groceries after broken refrigerator in apartment building. | Yes, via Food Bank arrangement or direct gift. |
| Medical | Glasses needed for public transport check and work in the city. | Yes, provided deductible is exhausted and no savings. |
| Housing repair | Leakage in East rental apartment, temporary shelter needed. | Yes, in consultation with housing corporation. |
| Travel | GVB ticket for job interview at UWV Amsterdam. | Yes, with proof of appointment. |
| Not reimbursed | New iPhone or festival ticket. | No, except work-related. |
Your rights in Amsterdam
Rights
- Fair assessment: Objective review by District Court of Amsterdam (Parnassusweg 220) on objection.
- Reasoned decision: Written explanation within 8 weeks.
- Free advice: Juridisch Loket Amsterdam, Vijzelstraat 77 – call 020-5338430 or drop in.
Obligations
- Provide evidence: invoices, income statement, bank statements.
- Submit application via Mijn Amsterdam or counter.
Next steps in Amsterdam
1. Gather supporting documents.
2. Apply for Special Assistance.
3. On rejection: objection within 6 weeks, assistance via Juridisch Loket.
4. Hearing at District Court of Amsterdam if necessary.
Last update: 2024. Always consult the current Amsterdam rules.