Applying for welfare benefits

Older than 27?

Are you over the age of 27? Then go to the page for more information: Assistance, benefits.

Are you under 27? Then follow the steps listed below:

Step 1: Register with the UWV

  1. Go to the Werk.nl website .
  2. Log in with your DigiD code. Is there a reason you cannot get a DigiD or submit a digital application? Then call phone number 14 079.
  3. Go to the Benefit tab.
  4. Choose "Apply for welfare benefits.
  5. Complete the questions.
  6. You get a notice after question 2 that you have a search period of 4 weeks and that you need to submit the form. You cannot yet complete the application form in its entirety because you first have a search period of 4 weeks. Below you get more explanation about that.

Search term

A search period means that you have to look for work or training yourself for another period of time. During the search period you will not yet receive any benefit, nor will you be entitled to an advance payment. We will invite you for a Domain Check interview (see step 2 below). The municipality wants to get to know you and discuss how we can help you.

Step 2: Interview at the Municipality of Zoetermeer

The municipality will send you an invitation for an initial interview within 7 days of receiving your notification. We call this interview a "Domain check interview. During the interview, the income director will go over your application and your personal situation with you.

To the domain check interview, bring the following:

  • Your proof of identity
  • Your Curriculum Vitae (CV).

During the interview you will be explained about:

  • What to do in the 4-week search period.
  • What help you can get.
  • What a welfare benefit is.
  • What rights and obligations you have. 
  • When to apply for benefits.

At the end of the interview you will be given a to-do list. This lists what you need to do during the search period and from when you can apply for benefits. 

Step 3: Interview at the Inner Court.

A welfare benefit is a temporary solution. The idea is to start earning enough money to live on. You will be invited for an interview with a work director from the Inner Job, to see what you need to be able to work. For example, training, retraining or other guidance. Together with the work director you make a plan.

Are you offered a job? Then you usually have to take it. This work does not always have to match your knowledge and experience.

Step 4: Apply for benefits

After the 4-week search period, you can apply for welfare benefits if you have not yet found work or training. You can further complete the application form you started with in step 1.

Before proceeding to fill out your application, gather the following information about yourself as well as your roommates (such as a partner, parents or roommates over 27):

  1. Your citizen service number (BSN)
  2. Data on:
    • Your income (salary, tax refund, alimony)
    • your current benefits
    • Your living situation (amount of rent/mortgage)
    • your last employer or employment agency for which you work or worked and the start and end dates of your contract
    • Your roommates (with BSN number and date of birth)
    • the income of your partner, if any
    • data on savings and valuable assets, the amount of your debts and your bank accounts. 
  3. Once you have all the information, complete your application on Werk.nl.
  4. Go to the Werk.nl website .
  5. Log in with your DigiD code. 
  6. You further complete all the questions and submit the application.
     

Step 5: Intake interview benefit

Within 7 business days of receiving your application, we will invite you for an intake interview. Prior to the interview, the income director will send you an appointment confirmation. This confirmation also states which documents you need to provide for your application.

You can think of the following pieces:

  • A valid ID (not a driver's license)
  • Evidence that shows what you did to find work or training (e.g., cover letters or rejection letters)
  • information about your living situation (the amount of rent or mortgage)
  • income information (wages, alimony, tax refunds)
  • details of your last job or education
  • bank statements
  • an overview of your assets
  • an overview of your debts
  • letters from the Internal Revenue Service about surcharges or tax credits

Do you live with a partner or spouse? Then you must bring the above information from him/her as well.

During this interview, your application will be reviewed. The municipality looks at whether you have done enough to find work or training.

  • Have you not done enough? Then the municipality may choose to give no benefit or a reduced benefit.
  • Did you do enough and meet all the other rules? Then the municipality can give you a benefit.
     

Advance

Are you under the age of 27? And do not live with a partner older than 27? Then you will not receive an advance during the 4-week search period. This is because you can only apply for assistance after 4 weeks. After the search period, you can complete your application for benefit and apply for an advance on the benefit.

You will not receive an advance if:

  • When applying, it is already clear that you are not entitled to welfare benefits.
  • You don't provide all the supporting documents.
  • You provide the supporting documents late.
  • You don't cooperate enough in processing your application.

How long will it take?

You will be notified within 8 weeks after the municipality receives your application whether you will receive benefits.

Objecting

Do you disagree with the municipality's decision? Then you can object within 6 weeks.