Overview of Ooievaars measures for low-income households
People with a low income often have the right to special measures. We called these 'Ooievaars' measures (Ooievaarsregelingen). See what you are eligible for.
Your situation and income determine whether you are eligible for the measures on this page. Would you like to know right away which Ooievaars measures apply to you? Answer the questions in the checklist (in Dutch).
On this page you can find the Ooievaars measures for everyone with a low income, and special measures for people with children, people who are chronically ill and disabled, and for the elderly.
Temporary measures
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The energy allowance is a temporary measure, for people with a low income. They will receive a compensation of € 1,300 for energy costs. Read more about the measure on the page Energietoeslag aanvragen.
Measures for everyone with a low income
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The free Ooievaarspas provides a reduction on all kinds of fun and educational activities. Read more about the Ooievaarspas and apply for it.
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This health insurance is special for people with a low income. You either pay no deductible or a lower deductible. In many cases the municipality even contributes to part of the premium.
Read more about the low-cost health insurance.
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Do you need to buy something expensive? For example, a refrigerator, table or sofa? They you may have the right to an income supplement.
Read more abut the individual income allowance (in Dutch).
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Do you have to pay a lot of money unexpectedly? Then you may have the right to special assistance.
Read more about special assistance (in Dutch).
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If you have a low income, you can apply 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.
Read more about the tax waiver of municipal taxes.
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You may have the right to the health care allowance, rent benefit and/or child care benefit.
Read more about the benefits and how you can apply for them on the website of the Dutch Tax and Customs Administration.
Measures for people with children
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Do you receive welfare benefits and do your children go to a childcare facility? Then you could get a supplement from the Dutch Tax and and Customs Administration. You can also apply for a contribution (compensation) from the municipality for the costs.
- Read more about the childcare benefit from the Dutch Tax and Customs Administration.
- Read more about the compensation for childcare from the municipality (in Dutch).
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Preschool (peuteropvang) is a childcare centre for children between the ages of 2.5 and 4 years. The contribution parents pay depends on their income. Do you have an Ooievaarspas? Then the preschool is free.
Read more about preschool.
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It is important that children can participate in society. Stichting Leergeld offer different free measures for parents with a low income. For example:
- School supply pass to buy supplies for a new school year
- Squla home subscription for children in group 4, 5 and 6
- Computer set to do school work, free loan service
- Toy gift card for your young child's birthday
- Equipment for sports and cultural activities such as clothing or a musical instrument
- Bicycle for children aged 10 to 17 years
- HTM subscription to travel for free during the weekends and school holidays
Look at the complete offer and read more information on the website of Stichting Leergeld.
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Everybody must to be able to show a valid ID at health care facilities or when travelling on public transportation. This also applies to children. This is why Ooievaarspas holders in The Hague between the ages of 12 and 17 years are able to get a free Dutch identity card one time.
Read more about the free Dutch identity card.
Measures for people who are chronically ill and disabled
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Read more about the Contribution for chronically ill and disabled.
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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 allowance from the municipality.
Read more about the study allowance.
Measures for the elderly
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Do you live in The Hague, are you 70 years or older and do you have an Ooievaarspas? Then you can get a discount on a medical pedicure 8 times per year.
Read more about the Ooievaarspas.
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Are you unable to make a meal yourself? People on pension and disabled people who have an Ooievaarspas can get an inexpensive hot meal in the restaurants of care facilities in The Hague.
Read more about the meal support services.
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Do you receive a pension, live in The Hague and have the right to an Ooievaarspas? Then you are allowed to travel free on public transportation (bus, tram and RandstadRail). You will need a personal OV-chipcard for this.
Read more about free travel in The Hague.
Published: 14 June 2022Modified: 27 February 2023