Client Support under the Wmo in Rotterdam
In Rotterdam, client support under the Social Support Act (Wmo) provides free assistance to residents who need care and support from the Municipality of Rotterdam. This independent guidance ensures you are well-informed and supported throughout the entire process. Every municipality, including Rotterdam, is required to offer this service, with special attention to vulnerable Rotterdam residents facing daily challenges in a vibrant city like this.
What does client support under the Wmo entail for Rotterdam residents?
Client support helps you as a Rotterdam resident to prepare and submit a Wmo application to the Municipality of Rotterdam with guidance. This includes practical and legal assistance, such as explaining your rights, helping with forms, and preparing for consultations with local Wmo staff. The support is independent, meaning the advisor does not work for the municipality and prioritizes your interests.
The Wmo focuses on self-reliance and participation in society, and in Rotterdam, client support plays a key role for groups such as seniors in neighborhoods like Charlois, people with disabilities or chronic conditions in the port city. The supporter helps you clearly define your care needs and explore alternatives, so you are not solely reliant on municipal information. In Rotterdam, you can also turn to the Legal Aid Office Rotterdam for additional advice.
This service stands out from broader advisory options due to its direct link to the Rotterdam Wmo process and its free nature. It builds on general free client support, but focuses on local care facilities such as neighborhood teams or specialized provisions.
Legal basis for client support in Rotterdam
The legal foundation of client support under the Wmo is the Social Support Act 2015 (Wmo 2015). Relevant provisions include:
- Article 1.1.1 Wmo 2015: Describes client support as assistance in obtaining an indication and using general provisions in the region.
- Article 3.1.1 Wmo 2015: Requires municipalities, including the Municipality of Rotterdam, to provide free and accessible support through independent parties.
- Article 3.5.1 Wmo 2015: Ensures that the assistance aligns with your personal circumstances and needs as a Rotterdam resident.
The Quality, Complaints and Disputes in Care Act (Wkkgz) establishes broader rules for care support, which also apply to the Wmo in Rotterdam. The municipality enters into agreements with organizations such as MEE Rotterdam or local welfare initiatives to deliver this. If obligations are not met, you can file a complaint with the Municipality of Rotterdam, the Legal Aid Office Rotterdam, or the National Ombudsman. You can escalate disputes through the Rotterdam District Court.
The regulations demand neutrality and client-centeredness, without municipal influence, to prevent conflicts of interest in a diverse city like Rotterdam and ensure fair access to care.
How does client support work in practice in Rotterdam?
You start by submitting a request to the Municipality of Rotterdam, for example, by phone through the Wmo desk, online, or via a neighborhood team. The municipality refers you to an independent supporter, who contacts you promptly. The assistance typically focuses on the application phase, from intake to decision, but may extend longer in complex Rotterdam cases.
Practical examples in the Rotterdam context:
- Example 1: Applying for household help. Mrs. Jansen, a 75-year-old widow from Feijenoord with mobility issues, seeks assistance. The supporter drafts a letter, prepares the discussion with the Rotterdam Wmo consultant, and informs about options like a cleaning subscription through local provisions. Without this, her application might falter due to bureaucracy.
- Example 2: Requesting a wheelchair for a child with a disability. The De Vries family from IJsselmonde has a child with physical challenges. The supporter reviews combined options (wheelchair and therapy) and assists with an objection to an insufficient indication, resulting in better local care.
- Example 3: Day care for dementia. Mr. Bakker from Kralingen with early-stage dementia explores day care. The supporter compares general and customized provisions in Rotterdam and supports Wmo funding, including neighborhood-based alternatives.
In Rotterdam, this assistance creates a level playing field, especially with administrative barriers or multilingual needs in an international city.
Rights and obligations in client support in Rotterdam
As a Rotterdam resident, you have various rights:
- Free independent assistance with any Wmo application to the Municipality of Rotterdam.
- Confidentiality: Your data is not shared with the municipality without your consent.
- Referral to specialized support, such as an independent client supporter (ICO) for complex matters, possibly via the Legal Aid Office Rotterdam.
- Support throughout the entire process, including objections (Article 3.1.1, paragraph 3 Wmo 2015).
Your obligations are minimal but require cooperation:
- Share information with the supporter in a timely manner.
- Participate in discussions and appointments.
- Pay any required personal contribution as imposed by the Municipality of Rotterdam (not for the support itself).
If support is inadequate, you can submit a complaint to the provider, the municipality, or the Rotterdam District Court.
Comparison with other support forms in Rotterdam
| Aspect | Client Support under the Wmo | General Client Support |
|---|---|---|
| Reach | Specific to Wmo applications with the Municipality of Rotterdam | Broad care and welfare in Rotterdam |
| Costs | Fully free | Sometimes with a personal contribution |
| Independence | Always independent of the municipality | May be linked to institutions |
| Focus | Self-reliance and participation in Rotterdam | General advising, e.g., via Legal Aid Office |
Veelgestelde vragen
Wat is mijn retourrecht?
Bij online aankopen heb je 14 dagen retourrecht zonder opgaaf van reden, tenzij de wettelijke uitzonderingen gelden.
Hoe lang geldt de wettelijke garantie?
Goederen moeten minimaal 2 jaar meewerken. Defecten die binnen 6 maanden ontstaan worden verondersteld al aanwezig te zijn.
Kan ik rente eisen over schulden?
Ja, je kunt wettelijke rente eisen (momenteel ongeveer 8% per jaar) over het openstaande bedrag.
Wat kan ik doen tegen oneerlijke handelspraktijken?
Je kunt klacht indienen bij de consumentenbond, de overheid of naar de rechter gaan.
Wat is een kredietovereenkomst?
Een kredietovereenkomst regelt hoe je geld leent, wat de rente is, en hoe je dit terugbetaalt.