Municipal emergency allowance Rotterdam: urgent help for acute problems
The municipal emergency allowance Rotterdam provides temporary financial support for unexpected expenses in acute situations, such as a broken central heating boiler or uninsured medical costs. Part of the Special Assistance Act. In Rotterdam, you can go to the WMO counter or Special Assistance team. Read how to apply and what your rights are.
What does the emergency allowance in Rotterdam entail?
This emergency allowance Rotterdam is special assistance for one-off acute costs, for example:
- Repair of essential equipment such as refrigerator or tumble dryer.
- Travel costs for job applications or hospital visits in Rotterdam.
- Emergency food assistance in case of temporary loss of income.
- Home repairs such as leaks or broken windows.
Not a long-term solution; for structural problems: bijstand Rotterdam.
Legal basis Rotterdam
Based on Special Assistance Act (Wbb):
- Art. 1 Wbb: Assistance for necessary one-off costs.
- Art. 2 Wbb: Acute necessity and no alternatives.
- Art. 3 Wbb: Investigation of other schemes such as healthcare allowance.
- Art. 10 Wbb: Refusal in case of own fault.
Plus GPA for objection procedure. In Rotterdam: Special Assistance Ordinance Municipality of Rotterdam 2023.
Conditions for emergency allowance Rotterdam
Three criteria:
- Urgent: Immediate solution needed (e.g. broken heating in winter).
- Inevitable: Costs cannot be postponed.
- No alternative: No savings, benefits or insurance.
Tip Rotterdam: Municipality of Rotterdam must decide within 8 weeks (GPA art. 4:17).
Application procedure Rotterdam
Step 1: Contact Rotterdam Werkt or WMO counter: 14 010.
Step 2: Submit application via online form with supporting documents (invoices, income statement).
Step 3: Decision within 4-8 weeks.
Legal assistance Rotterdam
District Court Rotterdam: Wilhelminaplein 100-125, 3015 CB Rotterdam (070-361 36 13).
Legal Counter Rotterdam: Westblaak 180, 3011 BN Rotterdam (0800-8020, free advice).
In case of rejection: objection within 6 weeks (GPA art. 6:3).
Practical examples Rotterdam
| Situation | Example Rotterdam | Possible? |
|---|---|---|
| Household | Broken refrigerator in apartment Kralingen, food spoilage. | Yes, up to €500. |
| Medical | Glasses for work at port company, not insured. | Yes, with prescription. |
| Travel | Train to Erasmus MC hospital. | Yes, with OV-chipkaart. |
| Housing | Leak in rental property Rotterdam-South. | No, landlord first. |
Objection and appeal Rotterdam
Rejection? Objection to College of Mayor & Aldermen Rotterdam (PO Box 70012, 3000 KP). After 6 weeks decision: appeal to District Court Rotterdam, Administrative Law Division.