Prior Provisions in Rijswijk
Prior provisions include alternative sources of income, benefits or savings that Rijswijk residents must use before applying for special assistance from the Municipality of Rijswijk. The municipality verifies this based on the subsidiarity principle to determine if these options already cover the costs.
Why these provisions in Rijswijk?
Within the Dutch social security system, including in Rijswijk, government support is provided only after private or other resources have been exhausted – the subsidiarity principle. In Rijswijk, this ensures that special assistance, serving as a safety net for unexpected expenses, is granted only when no alternatives are available. This prevents unnecessary public spending and promotes self-reliance among Rijswijk residents.
Example: unexpected refrigerator repair costs. The Municipality of Rijswijk first checks your savings account, potential loans or allowances. Assistance follows only if those options fail. Read more in our article on special assistance in Rijswijk.
Legal Basis
At the core is Article 18, paragraph 1, Participation Act: special assistance is refused if prior provisions are available. This includes:
- Allowances such as rent allowance, healthcare allowance or childcare allowance;
- Savings exceeding the exemption threshold;
- Benefits (unemployment benefit, disability insurance) or local schemes from the Municipality of Rijswijk.
Article 4:23 of the General Administrative Law Act requires reasonable action, meaning alternatives first. The Ordinance on Individual Income Supplement and Special Assistance of the Municipality of Rijswijk specifies this in line with the Participation Act.
Examples of Prior Provisions
These provisions vary by case. Here is an overview for Rijswijk:
| Category | Examples | When Prior in Rijswijk? |
|---|---|---|
| Income-related benefits | Rent allowance, healthcare allowance, childcare allowance | If they cover costs in part or full |
| Assets | Savings, investments (above €7,575 for singles, 2024) | Must be used up first |
| Benefits | WW, social assistance, AOW | If available for the expense |
| Loans | Social loan via Municipality of Rijswijk | Only after explicit rejection |
| Other | Insurance, employer support, family assistance | If reasonably feasible |
The asset threshold is adjusted annually; it doubles for couples.
Rights and Obligations Regarding Prior Provisions
Rights for Rijswijk residents:
- The Municipality of Rijswijk informs about relevant provisions and application procedures.
- Objection possible against incorrect assumptions (Awb art. 7:1); appeal to the District Court Rijswijk.
- Absence of provisions must be substantiated.
Obligations:
- Provide proof of application and rejection (e.g., letter from Municipality of Rijswijk).
- Disclose all information, or risk termination.
- Cooperate with verification (Participation Act art. 65).
Practical Cases from Rijswijk
Case 1: Healthcare costs. Mrs. De Boer from Rijswijk applies for €1,200 for glasses. Municipality rejects due to deductible and healthcare allowance. After review: allowance too low, savings below threshold. Assistance approved.
Case 2: Funeral. Mr. Van Dijk from Rijswijk for €2,800 burial. No insurance, savings exhausted, family support unrealistic. Granted.
Case 3: Excess savings. Khan family from Rijswijk with €12,000 applies for school supplies. Rejected: use savings first.
Check the local policy rules of the Municipality of Rijswijk.
Frequently Asked Questions
What if a provision is delayed?
In cases of urgency (e.g., allowance after weeks), the Municipality of Rijswijk may provide provisional assistance. Attach proof of application. Contact the Legal Aid Office Rijswijk.
Must savings always be declared?
Only above the exemption: €7,575 for singles, €15,140 for couples (2024). Keep records of transactions.
Objection to refusal?
Yes, within 6 weeks (Awb art. 6:7). Add proof. See objection and appeal in Rijswijk or the Legal Aid Office Rijswijk.
Applies to basic social assistance?
No, this concerns one-off assistance; ongoing support follows the social assistance standard.
Tips for Rijswijk Residents
Successfully obtaining assistance despite prior provisions:
- Document thoroughly: Keep all application forms, rejections and receipts.
- Check the Ordinance on Special Assistance of the Municipality of Rijswijk online.
- Consult the Legal Aid Office Rijswijk for free advice.
- Submit complete applications to avoid delays.