Participation Act Rotterdam: application procedure and objection

Applying for a social assistance benefit under the Participation Act in Rotterdam is handled by the Municipality of Rotterdam. Submit a complete application via the Rotterdam Werkt online portal or the social counter, including ID, income and asset details, recent bank statements, and rental agreement. The municipality decides within 8 weeks; in complex cases, such as for expats or port workers, this can be extended by 4 weeks. Provisional benefit possible in urgent cases, for example sudden unemployment in the Rotterdam port. Sustainability test follows: can you manage for 4 weeks on your own resources? After approval, the benefit starts immediately via iDEAL payment. Denial? File an objection within 6 weeks at the Rotterdam Legal Aid Office or directly with the municipality. Add new evidence, such as medical certificates from Erasmus MC or employer statements. The municipality will hear you within 6 weeks at an appointment in one of the district offices and decides again within 10 weeks. Still not satisfied? Hearing at the Rotterdam District Court (Awb procedure). Costs: no court fee for social assistance cases. Proof of payment is required for rent in Rotterdam housing association properties and health insurance. Report changes, such as moving address within Rotterdam, within 8 days via Mijn Rotterdam to prevent recovery. Use the Rotterdam Werkt portal for acceleration. In emergencies, such as job loss at Maasvlakte: apply for advance payment at the emergency counter. These steps ensure a fair procedure in accordance with the General Administrative Law Act. Success rate of objections in Rotterdam is around 42%; prepare well with local documentation and free advice from the Legal Aid Office. (248 words)