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Applying for PGB in the Netherlands — Expat Rights

A personal budget (persoonsgebonden budget or PGB) gives you the freedom to purchase care that fits your personal situation in the Netherlands. However, applying for a PGB can be complex, with many forms and requirements. It's understandable that you're wondering where to start and what rights you have as an expat. With the right information and preparation, you can successfully apply for a PGB under Dutch law.

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What's the situation?

You need care in the Netherlands and want to decide for yourself who provides this care and how it's organised. A PGB offers this possibility under Dutch law, but the application procedure can seem complicated. Many expats don't know which documents they need or how the process works. It's also unclear which care is or isn't reimbursed through a PGB. Therefore, it's important to submit a well-prepared application.

What does Dutch law say?

The right to a PGB is legally regulated in the Long-term Care Act (Wet langdurige zorg or Wlz) and the Social Support Act (Wet maatschappelijke ondersteuning or Wmo) under Dutch law. These laws determine when you're entitled to a PGB and under which conditions. The Care Assessment Centre (Centrum Indicatiestelling Zorg or CIZ) assesses whether you meet the criteria. Municipalities are responsible for PGBs under the Wmo, whilst care offices handle this for the Wlz.

1Article 3.3.1 Wlz (Dutch Civil Code): You're entitled to a PGB if you have an assessment and can manage your own care
2Article 2.3.6 Wmo (Dutch Civil Code): Municipalities must provide a PGB if it's cost-effective and you wish it
3Article 3.3.2 Wlz (Dutch Civil Code): The PGB amount is determined based on your assessment and the cost price of care

What are your rights in the Netherlands?

If you meet the conditions under Dutch law, you have a legal right to a PGB. You may choose a PGB instead of care in kind.

1Right to a PGB: If you have a valid assessment, you may choose a personal budget (persoonsgebonden budget)
2Right to explanation: The municipality or care office must clearly explain how the PGB works
3Right to object: If your application is rejected, you can object within six weeks
4Right to support: You may get help managing your PGB from family or a budget holder

What can you do now?

Follow these steps to successfully submit and get your PGB application approved in the Netherlands.

1Step 1: First request an assessment from the CIZ (for Wlz) or from your municipality (for Wmo)
2Step 2: Complete the PGB application form fully and add all requested documents
3Step 3: Submit an objection if your application is rejected and ask for an explanation
4Step 4: Seek legal help through the Legal Aid Counter (Juridisch Loket) if the objection is also rejected

Sample letter or template

MijnRecht.AI can help you draft a professional PGB application or objection letter for Dutch authorities. We ensure all important points are mentioned and that your application is complete, which increases your chances of approval in the Netherlands.

Where can you go for help?

For PGB applications in the Netherlands, you can contact various institutions: the CIZ for assessment under the Wlz, your municipality for Wmo care, your care office for handling Wlz PGBs, the Legal Aid Counter (Juridisch Loket) for free advice, and ultimately the court for objection procedures.

Conclusion

Applying for a PGB in the Netherlands requires preparation, but ultimately gives you much freedom in your care choices. With the right documents and a complete application, you significantly increase your chances of approval. Don't be discouraged by possible rejections - you have the right to object and legal support under Dutch law.

Frequently Asked Questions

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