Special assistance
What is special assistance?
Special assistance is intended to cover special expenses.
Special expenses are necessary additional costs that you cannot pay yourself and that are not reimbursed in any other way. Examples include costs for estate administration, legal assistance, or court filing fees.
You can apply for special assistance at the municipality.
Applying for special assistance digitally
You can apply for special assistance via DigiD only if you are already receiving benefits from the municipality. If you are not receiving benefits, use the printable version of the application form.
How does it work?
The municipality considers whether you will receive special assistance. The municipality does this on the basis of the following questions:
- Are you really going to incur the cost?
- Are the expenses necessary, such as for medical reasons?
- Are you unable to pay the cost (in full) yourself?
- Is there no other institution that will reimburse the cost, such as your health insurance company?
How much special assistance can I get?
It depends on your income and assets. Assets include savings or your own house. The municipality also looks at the income and assets of your family members. Sometimes you have to pay part of the costs yourself.
Can I get a loan?
You can get a loan from the Municipal Credit Bank for certain expenses. For example, for items that last a long time, such as beds and carpeting. Can't get a loan there? Then the municipality can give you a loan.
What to do.
If you want to apply for special assistance, you can:
- Complete and submit the digital special assistance application form (log in with DigiD).
- download, print and complete the printable version of the application form and the printable version of the information form.
Note: You can only apply for special assistance via DigiD if you are already receiving benefits from the municipality. If you are not receiving benefits, use the printable form.
Please send completed forms to the municipality at
Postbus 600, 6460 AP Kerkrade, or drop them off at the City Office, Markt 33 Kerkrade.
Apply for special assistance before you incur the expenses. Otherwise, the municipality may reject your application.
What do I need?
- A valid identification document of yourself and, if applicable, your partner and family members
- proof of your income, assets and debts of you and possibly your partner and family members
- description of special costs
How long does it take?
You will be notified by the municipality within 8 weeks.
Additional information
If you need to incur the same expenses for a longer period of time, you can apply for this in one go. For example, travel expenses for long hospital treatment.
Note: Keep all bills and receipts safe! You will only receive special assistance if you can show that you actually incur the expenses.
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