How to apply for benefits?

Answer

Living in the Netherlands is expensive. Think about healthcare and paying rent for your home. Luckily, there’s help available: healthcare allowance (zorgtoeslag) and rent allowance (huurtoeslag). These are monthly contributions from the Dutch government, created to support you.

For housing allowance, you need to have a fixed address and be registered with the municipality (BRP registration). You can already apply for healthcare allowance if you have a DigiD and are registered, even with a temporary address via RNI.

However, many EU citizens struggle when applying for these allowances. The forms are often complicated. Some people don’t have a DigiD or don’t understand the language. Because of that, mistakes are made, or you might apply for something you are not entitled to. This could mean you have to pay money back later.

At Information Point Zuidoost-Brabant, they help you step by step, in your own language. This way, you know exactly what you’re doing. For free! Visit them at the Inwonersplein in Eindhoven city hall.