Necessary Costs Assessment for Special Assistance in Delft
Necessary costs in Delft are expenditures that cannot be postponed and are crucial for your basic needs or health. For Special Assistance in the municipality of Delft, the work and income counter checks whether your costs qualify for reimbursement. This is often a stumbling block for residents of Delft in need.
What counts as necessary costs in Delft?
In Delft, necessary costs qualify if they are directly linked to your minimal living needs or urgent problems. Examples:
- Groceries (e.g., if your freezer is broken and you cannot prepare food)
- Healthcare costs (such as hearing aids, deductible or acute care)
- Repair of vital equipment (e.g., central heating boiler or washing machine)
- Temporary housing (e.g., in case of forced eviction from home)
- Travel to work or medical appointments (e.g., round trip to hospital in The Hague)
The municipality of Delft assesses whether costs are unavoidable and you truly cannot afford them, in accordance with the Special Assistance Act (article 1 paragraph 1) and the Delft Special Assistance Regulations 2024.
Legal Framework for Delft
The rules are set out in:
- Special Assistance Act (Wbb), art. 1 paragraph 1: Aimed at preventing dire poverty.
- General Administrative Order on Special Assistance, art. 2.1: For costs that cannot be covered by income or other assistance.
- Delft Regulations: See Regulations 2024, with specific thresholds for own contribution.
Delft assesses based on:
- Urgency (e.g., broken heating in winter).
- No alternatives (no family help, no benefit such as under the Participation Act).
- Proportionality (basic repair yes, luxury upgrade no).
Delft Practice Examples
Often approved in Delft, but always check with the counter:
| Category | Delft Example | Reimbursed in Delft? |
|---|---|---|
| Food | No money for supermarket after broken fridge. | Yes, provided you are below subsistence level. |
| Health | Glasses needed for side jobs in Delft. | Yes, if deductible is exhausted. |
| Housing | Emergency shelter after fire in Midden-Delfland area. | Yes, via crisis shelter procedure. |
| Travel | Bus to TU Delft job interview. | Yes, if work-related. |
| Non-necessary | New bike for hobby. | No, unless medically prescribed. |
Your Rights in Delft
Rights
- Reasoned decision: You receive written explanation, appeal possible at District Court of The Hague.
- Provisional reimbursement: In case of acute danger, sometimes immediate.
- Assistance with application: Free advice via Legal Counter Delft (Phoenixstraat 54).
Obligations
- Declare all income and assets.
- Provide evidence (invoices, quotes).
- File objection within 6 weeks.
Applying in Delft
Make an appointment at Work and Income Counter (Burg. Else Koopmanlaan 1) or online via MiDelft portal. Contact: 14 015.
Last update: 2024. Always consult the current Delft rules.