Ooievaars measures for low-income households

Making ends meet on a low income is not always easy. This is why the Municipality of The Hague has taken measures to ensure that every city resident can continue to participate in society regardless of their income. This page provides an overview of the measures.

For everyone with a low income

The municipality provides various facilities to improve the living conditions of its low-income residents.

Health insurance

The municipality has made special arrangements with a number of health insurance companies to provide an affordable health insurance (Haagse zorgverzekering).

Individual income allowance

The individual income allowance (individuele inkomenstoeslag) is meant to supplement your income for big necessary expenditures. For example for the purchase of a refrigerator, dining table or sofa.

Individual study allowance

Are you a student between the ages of 18 and 30 years and do you have a limitation? Then you may be eligible for an individual study allowance (individuele studietoeslag). The municipality grants the individual study allowance in the form of special assistance.

Contribution for chronically ill and disabled

Are you chronically ill or disabled? Then you could be eligible for a municipal contribution.

Special assistance

Special assistance (bijzondere bijstand) is a compensation for extra or high costs which are demonstrably unforeseen or necessary. The municipality grants special assistance as a donation or as an interest-free loan.

Waiver of municipal taxes

Depending on your situation, you may be eligible for a tax waiver of municipal taxes. You then either will not have to pay the taxes or you will have to pay only part of the taxes.

Tax benefits from the Belastingdienst

You may have the right to other benefits from the Tax and Customs Administration (Belastingdienst). Such as the health care allowance, rent benefit and/or child care benefit. The Dutch Tax and Customs Administration provides information on how you can apply for these benefits.

Ooievaarspas

The Ooievaarspas provides a reduction on activities, such as courses, sports and cultural excursions. But also for a pedicure, hot meals at care facilities in The Hague, clothing, school supplies and (sports) equipment for children.

Children

Contribution for child care

For the costs of day care you can apply for a child care benefit at the Dutch Tax and Customs Administration (Belastingdienst). As a supplement you can apply for a municipal contribution for child care (vergoeding kinderopvang).

Preschool

A preschool is a joint programme between a day care centre and/or a playschool and a primary school. They work together on 1 educational programme.

Toy gift card

Young children can get a toy gift voucher for their birthday. Read more on the website of Stichting Leergeld.

Parental contribution

Schools often ask parents for an extra contribution for activities such as the Sinterklaas party or a school trip. This is the parental contribution. Are you unable to pay this amount? Read more about the measures for the parental contribution (ouderbijdrage).

Squla home subscription

Squla is an online programme with practice exercises children can do at school and home. For pupils in 4, 5 and 6 there are Squla home subscriptions.

School supply pass

Children need school supplies in the classroom. This is why there is a school supply pass for children from 4 to 17 years of age. They can use it at different shops to purchase the school supplies found on the school supplies list. Stichting Leergeld Den Haag will send out the application forms for the school supply pass (schoolspullenpas) at the end of May. You can read more on the website of Stichting Leergeld.

Computers

Does your child need a computer, laptop or tablet for school? And are you unable to pay for this? Contact the Stichting Leergeld.

Equipment/clothes for membership

Do you have a child aged 4 years or older (not yet 18) with an Ooievaarspas? And is your child a member of a (sports) club or organisation affiliated with the Ooievaarspas? Then you can submit an application through the Stichting Leergeld for equipment needed for the activity. For example sportswear or a musical instrument.

Winter clothing pass

You can use the winter clothing pass to purchase warm clothes and shoes for your child at different stores. You can read more on the website of Stichting Leergeld in October, November and December.

Bicycle

You can check with Stichting Leergeld whether your child is eligible for a bicycle. You will have to pay a contribution for a new bicycle.

Travel with HTM

There is a public transport pass especially for young people. Travel on HTM buses on trams is free during the weekends and vacations. Look for the conditions on the website of Stichting Leergeld.

Free identity card for young people with an Ooievaarspas

Everybody is obliged to be able to show a valid ID at health care facilities or when travelling on public transportation. This also applies to children. Young Ooievaarspas holders as of 12 years of age can get a free Dutch identity card one time.

Elderly

Discount on pedicure

Ooievaarspas holders aged 70 years and older can get a discount on a medical pedicure every 2 months. Read more about the Ooievaarspas.

Discount on hot meals

Residents of The Hague aged 65 years and older and disabled residents can eat a hot meal in the restaurants of health care facilities.

Free travel in The Hague

Do you live in The Hague and have your reached retirement age? And do you have a valid Ooievaarspas and a personal OV-chipcard? It is possible for you to get free travel on public transportation in The Hague.