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.

Helping people find a job is therefore a priority. However, not everybody is able to work, for example, if they have a chronic disease or a disability. The municipality provides various facilities to improve the living conditions of its low-income residents.

Health insurance

Do you have a low income? Then you may be able to take out an affordable health insurance (Haagse zorgverzekering). The municipality has made special arrangements with a number of health insurance companies.

Individual income allowance

Do you receive welfare benefits? If you meet certain conditions, you can apply for an individual income allowance (individuele inkomenstoeslag). The individual income allowance is meant to supplement your income for big necessary expenditures. Examples include 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. This study allowance replaces the Wajong study allowance. The individual study allowance can only be requested if the Wajong study allowance is not applicable.

Contribution for chronically ill and disabled

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

Contribution for child care

Do you receive welfare benefits and does your child to a day-care centre, host parent or after school care? And are you taking part in a work programme through the municipality? Then in addition to the child care benefit from the Dutch Tax and Customs Administration (Belastingdienst) you can also apply for a municipal contribution for child care (tegemoetkoming kinderopvang) towards the costs of day care.

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, depending on your situation.

Ooievaarspas

The Ooievaarspas is a product for low-income families in The Hague. The Ooievaarspas provides a reduction on all kinds of activities, such as sports, excursions, memberships and courses.

Preschool

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

School supply pass

At the beginning of the school year (until 1 November) you can purchase school supplies for your child using the school supply pass (schoolspullenpas). You can read more on the website of Stichting Leergeld.

Compensation for parental contribution

Schools often offer extra activities during or in addition to the regular curriculum. Examples include the Sinterklaas party or a school trip. The school is allowed to ask the parents to contribute to these expenses: the parental contribution (ouderbijdrage). People with an Ooievaarspas do not have to pay the entire amount. If you do not have an Ooievaarspas and you are unable to pay the amount, many schools offer a discount or an exemption scheme.

Computer

Does your child need a computer for school? And does he have an Ooievaarspas? You can apply for a computer for your child through the website of Stichting Leergeld.

Bicycle

Is your child 10 years or older but not yet 18? Do you have a low income? Then you can submit an application for a bicycle through the website of Stichting Leergeld. You will have to pay a contribution for a new bicycle.

Equipment/clothes for membership

Is your child 4 years or older but not yet 18? Does your child have an Ooievaarspas and is he a member of a club or organisation which falls under the Ooievaarspas measure? Then you can submit an application through the website of Stichting Leergeld for equipment (for example, soccer boots, swimsuits, judo uniform, musical instrument) needed for the activity.

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.

Tax waiver

If you have a low income and you do not own property or assets, 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.

Other tax benefits

You may also have the right to other benefits from the Tax and Customs Administration (Belastingdienst):

• Rent benefit (huurtoeslag)
• Child care benefit (kinderopvangtoeslag)
• Health care allowance (zorgtoeslag)

Visit the website of the Dutch Tax and Customs Administration for more information about benefits and how you can apply.