Necessary Costs Assessment for Special Assistance in The Hague
Necessary costs in The Hague are expenditures that cannot be postponed and are crucial for your basic needs, health or safety. The municipality of The Hague checks whether costs qualify for reimbursement through Special Assistance. This process can be challenging for people in acute financial difficulties.
Examples of necessary costs in The Hague
The municipality applies strict criteria: costs must be urgent and not reimbursable elsewhere. Typical cases are:
- Urgent food purchases (e.g. if your stock is depleted and income is suspended)
- Essential medical expenses (such as hearing aid, dental emergencies or medication not covered by insurance)
- Repair of vital equipment (e.g. central heating boiler in winter or washing machine for hygiene)
- Temporary housing costs (e.g. hotel due to fire or eviction)
- Travel costs for crucial appointments (e.g. to The Hague District Court, Prins Clauslaan 60 or The Hague Legal Aid Office, Lutherse Burgwal 10)
The Hague assesses whether costs are unavoidable and you truly cannot bear them, in accordance with Special Assistance Act article 1 paragraph 1.
Legal frameworks specific to The Hague
The assessment follows:
- Special Assistance Act (Wbb), art. 1 paragraph 1: Aimed at preventing serious need for assistance.
- Decree on special assistance, art. 2.1: Only for irrecoverable necessary expenditures.
- The Hague Special Assistance Regulations 2024: Local rules emphasizing one-off acute need, see municipal website.
Key assessment points in The Hague:
- Urgent nature (e.g. defective heating in low temperatures).
- No alternatives (no own assets, loans or regular assistance).
- Proportional amount (only the minimum costs for the solution).
Practical examples in The Hague
Below are situations as often assessed by the Hague municipality:
| Category | Example in The Hague | Reimbursement chance |
|---|---|---|
| Food | No money for supermarket after benefit suspension. | Yes, with proof of need. |
| Health | Necessary glasses bill outside insurance. | Yes, if medically necessary. |
| Housing | Temporary shelter after leak in social housing. | Yes, for short duration. |
| Travel | Bus to job interview or The Hague District Court. | Yes, if work-related. |
| Non-necessary | New TV or non-essential subscriptions. | No, luxury excluded. |
Your rights in The Hague
Rights
- Reasoned decision: Municipality must explain why reimbursed or not.
- Objection procedure: Within 6 weeks in case of rejection, via municipality of The Hague.
- Seek help: Free advice at The Hague Legal Aid Office, Lutherse Burgwal 10.
Obligations
- Provide all income and asset details.
- Submit proof of costs and necessity (invoices, quotes).
For personal assistance: Contact the municipality of The Hague or visit The Hague District Court at Prins Clauslaan 60.