What can I do in an emergency? In acute situations, such as an accident or life threatening situation: ● Call 112 for an ambulance (toll free). ● Or go to the emergency room of the nearest hospital. For urgent issues call your doctor during the day. Tell at the phone it’s urgent. Evenings or weekends
Is my child allowed to visit a playgroup? Young children can learn to play and develop together in playgroups and meeting groups, during preschool activities, and in projects such as ‘instapje’ and such like. The price of these provisions is determined by the municipal authorities and depends on the income. They are also accessible to
How can I visit a pharmacy? If the general practitioner has given you a prescription for the pharmacy you can collect your medication there. In principle you will have to pay for this medication in advance. If you are not able to pay, you can go to the pharmacy that is contracted by Het CAK.
Am I allowed to work if I have no residence permit? No, undocumented migrants are not allowed to work in the Netherlands. You will not be granted a National Insurance Number and you are not eligible for a work permit either. In almost all cases the employer is obliged to check these particulars. This rule
I would like to obtain health insurance, is this possible? If you have no residence permit, you are not entitled to mandatory health insurance in accordance with the Dutch Health Insurance Act. Some health insurance companies provide their own insurance packages. Zilveren Kruis and OOM provide travel insurances that may be applicable. Migrants who visit
Can I visit a dentist? You are free in your choice of dentist. Dental care for adults, however, is never reimbursed. Only for children up to and including 18 years of age the dentist can claim part of his expenses from Het CAK (see medical insurance). Organisations Dental care
Am I entitled to housing benefit? The housing benefit is intended for people who pay high rent whilst having a low income. People without a residence permits are not entitled to the housing benefit. But every other person who lives at the same address will lose their entitlement to housing benefit as well if one
Can people I am staying with lose their (housing and health care) benefits? If a resident without a residence permit is registered at a certain address with the municipal authorities, then all legal residents of that address will lose their entitlement to housing benefit, health care benefit and child-care benefit.
How can I claim labour rights? You need a labour contract to exercise your labour rights. This does not necessarily need to be a written labour agreement, other evidence is valid as well such as job sheets or statements given by colleagues. If you can prove that you worked for the same employer each week
Opportunities to obtain food The most important requirement for survival is food. The food bank provides weekly, free food parcels for people who have been registered. In addition there are several places in the city where you will find a warm place to sit, to have coffee or tea and where you can have a
Where can I visit if I have an infectious disease like HIV or a sexually transmitted disease? The municipal health authorities (GGD) have special surgery hours for special diseases. These surgery hours can be visited free of charge. This applies to the following diseases: tuberculosis, HIV, STDs. Organisations Infectious diseases
Can I visit a hospital? Hospital care is available if the general practitioner has referred you. If you do not have any money, you should choose the hospital from the list of hospitals that are in partnership with Het CAK (see medical insurance). Please note: All hospitals are accessible for emergency care and maternal care.
