Client Support under the Social Support Act in Den Haag
In Den Haag, client support within the Social Support Act (Wmo) provides a free service to residents who need assistance with applying for care and support through the Municipality of Den Haag. This independent guidance ensures that you, as a resident of Den Haag, are well-informed and supported throughout the entire process. Every municipality, including the Municipality of Den Haag, is required to offer this service, with special focus on vulnerable groups such as elderly people in neighborhoods like Schilderswijk or Segbroek who face daily challenges.
What does client support under the Social Support Act involve in Den Haag?
Client support helps you as a resident of Den Haag to prepare and submit a Wmo application to the Municipality of Den Haag. This includes both practical and legal assistance, such as explaining your rights, helping with application forms, and preparing for consultations with Wmo staff. The support is fully independent; the advisor does not work for the municipality and prioritizes your interests.
Under the Social Support Act, which promotes self-reliance and social participation, this assistance is essential. It is available to anyone needing a Wmo indication, such as seniors, people with disabilities, or those with chronic conditions in the Den Haag context. The supporter assists you in clearly articulating your care needs and exploring options, so you are not reliant solely on information from the Municipality of Den Haag. In Den Haag, you can also turn to the Legal Aid Office Den Haag for additional free advice.
This service stands out from broader advisory forms because it is specifically tailored to the Wmo process and provided free of charge. It builds on general free client support, but primarily focuses on local care arrangements in Den Haag.
Legal basis of client support in Den Haag
The legal foundation for client support under the Social Support Act is found in the Social Support Act 2015 (Wmo 2015). Relevant provisions include:
- Article 1.1.1 Wmo 2015: Describes client support as assistance in obtaining an indication and utilizing general provisions in the region, such as in Den Haag.
- Article 3.1.1 Wmo 2015: Requires municipalities, including the Municipality of Den Haag, to arrange this support for free and make it accessible through independent parties.
- Article 3.5.1 Wmo 2015: Mandates that the assistance aligns with the individual circumstances and wishes of the resident.
The Quality, Complaints, and Disputes in Care Act (Wkkgz) establishes broader frameworks for client support in healthcare, which also apply to the Wmo in Den Haag. The Municipality of Den Haag collaborates with independent entities such as MEE or local welfare organizations to ensure this. If obligations are not met, you can file a complaint with the Municipality of Den Haag, the Legal Aid Office Den Haag, or the National Ombudsman. For legal disputes, you can escalate to the District Court of Den Haag.
The legislation requires that support be impartial and client-focused, free from municipal influence, to avoid conflicts of interest and ensure fair access to care in Den Haag.
How does client support work in practice in Den Haag?
The process begins with an application to the Municipality of Den Haag, for example, by phone through the Wmo desk, online, or at the city hall. You will be referred to an independent supporter who will contact you promptly. The assistance typically focuses on the application period, from initial intake to the decision on the indication.
Practical examples in the Den Haag context:
- Example 1: Applying for household help. Mrs. Jansen, a 75-year-old widow with mobility issues from Binckhorst, seeks household assistance. The client supporter helps draft a motivation letter, prepares for the meeting with the Wmo consultant, and informs about options like a local cleaning service in Den Haag. Without this support, she risks rejection due to incomplete justification.
- Example 2: Wheelchair provision for a child. The De Vries family from Ypenburg has a child with a physical disability. The supporter evaluates alternatives, such as an integrated provision (wheelchair with therapy), and assists with objections to an insufficient indication, resulting in an improved care package from the Municipality of Den Haag.
- Example 3: Day care for dementia. Mr. Bakker from the city center, with early-stage dementia, receives help in reviewing day care options. The supporter weighs general versus customized provisions and guides through Wmo funding, with attention to facilities in Den Haag.
In these scenarios, the support creates a level playing field, especially for residents of Den Haag facing bureaucratic or language barriers.
Rights and obligations in client support in Den Haag
As a resident of Den Haag, you have various rights:
- Free and independent assistance for every Wmo application to the Municipality of Den Haag.
- Right to privacy: Your data is not shared with the municipality without your consent.
- Option for referral to specialized support, such as an independent client supporter (ICO) for complex cases.
- Assistance throughout the entire process, including objection procedures (Article 3.1.1, paragraph 3 of the Wmo 2015).
Your obligations are minimal but include cooperation:
- Providing information to the supporter in a timely manner.
- Actively participating in consultations and appointments.
- Paying any personal contribution required by the Municipality of Den Haag (not for the support itself).
If support is inadequate, you can complain to the provider, the Municipality of Den Haag, or the Legal Aid Office Den Haag.
Comparison with other forms of support in Den Haag
| Aspect | Client Support under the Social Support Act | General Client Support |
|---|---|---|
| Scope | Specific to Wmo applications with the Municipality of Den Haag | Broad care and welfare, including non-Wmo matters |
| Cost | Fully free | Sometimes involves a personal contribution |
| Independence | Always independent of the municipality | May be linked to a care provider |
| Focus in Den Haag | Local Wmo provisions such as household help | General advice via the Legal Aid Office Den Haag |
Veelgestelde vragen
Wat is mijn retourrecht?
Bij online aankopen heb je 14 dagen retourrecht zonder opgaaf van reden, tenzij de wettelijke uitzonderingen gelden.
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Goederen moeten minimaal 2 jaar meewerken. Defecten die binnen 6 maanden ontstaan worden verondersteld al aanwezig te zijn.
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Ja, je kunt wettelijke rente eisen (momenteel ongeveer 8% per jaar) over het openstaande bedrag.
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Je kunt klacht indienen bij de consumentenbond, de overheid of naar de rechter gaan.
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Een kredietovereenkomst regelt hoe je geld leent, wat de rente is, en hoe je dit terugbetaalt.