Necessary Costs Assessment for Special Assistance in Leiden
Necessary costs are expenditures that cannot be postponed and are crucial for your basic needs or health. In Leiden, the municipality determines via Special Assistance whether these costs will be reimbursed. This assessment often poses a stumbling block for residents in acute financial difficulties.
What qualifies as necessary costs in Leiden?
In Leiden, necessary costs include expenditures that directly relate to your livelihood or urgent needs, such as:
- Essential groceries (e.g., if your refrigerator is broken and repair is not possible)
- Medical expenses (such as a mandatory pair of glasses, medication, or acute care)
- Repair of vital equipment (e.g., central heating boiler or stove)
- Emergency shelter or temporary housing (e.g., in case of forced eviction from home)
- Mandatory travel costs (e.g., to a job interview or doctor's appointment)
The Municipality of Leiden checks whether costs are unavoidable and you cannot bear them yourself, in accordance with the Special Assistance Act (article 1 paragraph 1) and the local Special Assistance Policy Rules 2023.
Legal frameworks for Leiden
The assessment follows these sources:
- Special Assistance Act (Wbb), article 1 paragraph 1: Aimed at alleviating neediness outside regular provisions.
- Decree on special assistance, article 2.1: For non-covered necessary costs.
- Municipal policy rules Leiden: Tailored to local situations, with reference to national government guidelines.
Leiden assesses based on:
- Urgent nature (e.g., broken heating in winter).
- No alternatives (no own resources, loans, or other benefits such as supplementary benefit).
- Reasonableness (essential repair yes, luxury expenses no).
Examples of necessary costs in Leiden
Practical examples, subject to individual assessment by the Municipality of Leiden:
| Situation | Example | Reimbursed in Leiden? |
|---|---|---|
| Food assistance | No money for weekly groceries due to broken refrigerator. | Yes, if proven need. |
| Healthcare | Glasses needed for work, not covered by insurance. | Yes, if medically necessary. |
| Housing emergency | Temporary shelter due to leak in rental property. | Yes, in case of acute danger. |
| Travel | Bus to job interview in Leiden center. | Yes, if work is crucial. |
| Non-necessary | New TV or outing. | No, except exceptions (e.g., work phone). |
Your rights in Leiden
Rights
- Fair assessment: Objective evaluation by the Municipality of Leiden.
- Reasoned decision: Written explanation in case of rejection.
- Objection and appeal: First objection with the municipality, then District Court of The Hague, Leiden Location.
- Free advice: Via Legal Counter Leiden, Stationsweg 46.
Obligations
- Provide all income and asset information.
- Submit proof of need (invoices, quotes).
Contact the Municipality of Leiden for an application. For clarifications: call the debt counseling desk.