What is: The Facilities Guide

The VoorzieningenWijzer helps combat poverty and problematic debt by enabling people to use available facilities.

The VoorzieningenWijzer (Provision Guide) helps increase purchasing power. Approximately 600,000 households in the Netherlands have to survive on a low income. They can significantly improve their purchasing power by making informed choices and better utilizing available facilities. 

 

How does the Facilities Guide work?

• An experienced consultant visits people at home by appointment.
• The consultant goes through all relevant questions from the Facilities Guide with the participant.
• The consultant will immediately arrange the desired application or ensure a smooth transfer.

 

In other words, there is:

• Personal contact
• Benefits immediately visible
• Practical help

 

Results achieved:
The VoorzieningenWijzer (Provision Guide) contributes to combating poverty and preventing debt problems. By making sensible choices regarding available services, risks are reduced and people's basic needs are secured. The average annual benefit is approximately €500 per household.

 

In practice this looks like this:

• 74% do not have suitable health insurance.
  A consultant from De VoorzieningenWijzer will discuss the coverage needs and family situation with the participant. Based on this, the consultant will recommend the most suitable health insurance policy. The consultant will assist (if possible) immediately with switching plans or will ensure contact is made again at the end of the year for assistance with the switch.

 

• 97% make little or no use of municipal services and minimum income schemes.
  A consultant from De VoorzieningenWijzer (The Provisions Guide) will show which minimum income schemes a participant can use. This depends on the family situation, for example, the age of the children, etc. The consultant will ensure a smooth transition to a social partner for assistance with applying for these schemes.

 

• 7% are unaware they are eligible for benefits.
  A consultant from De VoorzieningenWijzer assesses participants' eligibility for relevant benefits. The consultant applies for any missing benefits (if possible) directly.

 

• 21% are unaware that they are eligible for a tax refund
  . A consultant from De VoorzieningenWijzer assesses whether filing a tax return is wise. If this proves useful, support is arranged to assist with filing.

 

• 31% are eligible for a cheaper energy bill.
  A consultant from De VoorzieningenWijzer will work with the participant to find the most suitable energy supplier. This involves not only looking for the cheapest solution, but also taking into account the household's personal situation. The consultant will assist (if desired) directly with the

switching to a new supplier.

Source:  www.devoorzieningenwijzer.nl