Applying for special social assistance

If you have a low income and it is impossible for you to pay exceptional and unexpected costs, you may be entitled to extra financial support from the municipality. This is called special social assistance (bijzondere bijstand).

Special social assistance is subject to the following conditions among others:

you are lawfully living and staying in the Netherlands.
you do not have enough income and funds to pay the costs yourself.
you are at least 18 years old.
you have expenses due to an exceptional or urgent situation, such as surgery or moving house.
you cannot cover the costs in any other way.;

Your municipality can tell you what other conditions apply in your situation.

This is how it works for you

Your (future) place of residence falls under:

Municipality of Enschede

Here is some information from your municipality.

Special social assistance

Please note: you can apply for bijzondere bijstand (special social assistance) only if you live in the Netherlands and are registered with the municipality of Enschede.

You live in Enschede.
You are 18 years or older.
You are a Dutch national or you have a valid residence permit.
You do not have enough income and/or your own money to pay the costs yourself.
You can demonstrate that the costs you have to incur are unexpected and necessary.
You cannot get the costs reimbursed from another arrangement.
You have costs due to special or urgent circumstances.
You apply for special assistance before you incur the costs.

Please note: if you cannot prove that you must or had to incur the costs, you are not entitled to special assistance. Not even if you have already paid the costs.

You can apply for special assistance via the municipality of Enschede. Check out how you can apply for special assistance on the website of the municipality of Enschede.

If you have any trouble applying for special assistance, contact the municipality by calling +31 53 481 81 81.

The municipality will send you a letter within 8 weeks. It will state whether you will receive special social assistance and how much you will receive. It will also state whether you will receive special welfare assistance in the form of a loan or non-repayable allowance.

More information