Municipal Emergency Allowance The Hague: acute assistance in financial distress
The municipal emergency allowance The Hague is a one-time financial support from the municipality for residents in acute need. Part of the Special Assistance Act, it helps with unexpected expenses such as repair of a broken central heating boiler or essential travel costs. Discover in The Hague how you are entitled to it and how to submit the application.
What does the municipal emergency allowance in The Hague entail?
In The Hague, the municipal emergency allowance falls under special assistance. It concerns temporary assistance for acute financial problems, such as:
- Urgent repair costs (e.g., leaking roof or broken boiler in winter).
- Medical expenses outside the basic insurance.
- Travel expenses for crucial appointments, such as a job interview or doctor's visit.
- Temporary food assistance in case of sudden income loss.
This is not a long-term solution. For persistent problems, you can approach social assistance The Hague or other municipal schemes.
Legal basis in The Hague
The Special Assistance Act (Wbb) forms the basis, specifically:
- Article 1 Wbb: Assistance for unexpected needs.
- Article 2 Wbb: Granting upon necessity and no alternatives.
- Article 3 Wbb: Obligation to investigate other provisions, such as supplementary benefit The Hague.
- Article 10 Wbb: Refusal for preventable costs.
In addition: General Administrative Law Act (Awb) for procedures and municipal special assistance by-law The Hague for local rules.
Conditions for emergency allowance in The Hague
Three core conditions:
- Urgent need: Immediate action required, e.g., broken heating during frost period.
- Inevitability: Costs essential and non-postponable, such as food spoilage due to broken refrigerator.
- No alternatives: No access to healthcare allowance or other benefits.
Tip The Hague: The municipality must investigate alternatives, but does not enforce an application.
Practical examples of emergency allowance The Hague
| Situation | Example The Hague | Possible? |
|---|---|---|
| Household repair | Broken tumble dryer leads to health risks. | Yes, without own resources. |
| Medical costs | Glasses for work not covered by insurance. | Yes, with proof of necessity. |
| Travel costs | Public transport costs to Haga Hospital appointment. | Yes, for essential travel. |
| Food emergency | Income stopped due to job loss. | Yes, temporarily. |
Application procedure The Hague
Submit your application to Municipality of The Hague, Work and Income Department (Burg. de Monchyplein 1). Required: ID, proof of income, invoice and motivation. Decision within 8 weeks (Awb).
Appeal: Objection to the municipality, then to District Court The Hague, Prins Clauslaan 60. Free advice: Legal Aid Office The Hague, Lutherse Burgwal 10.