Month: June 2020

Can I be evicted if I lose my job?

Posted on by Katerina Triantafillou

Losing a job is not a basis for eviction, but not paying the rent is. If you no longer have an income and have no financial resources to continue paying the rent, you need to try reaching an agreement with the landlord about a mutually acceptable arrangement until you find employment or other sources of income.

You are expected to actively look for a solution that will enable you to take care of your needs and fulfill your obligations, like paying the rent. You should check to see if you qualify for unemployment benefits while looking for a job. If you receive the benefits, you may be able to pay the rent at least partially until you find work again.

If you do not qualify for unemployment benefits, financial and other forms of support are available through municipal social services. Information about types of support and conditions can be found on municipal websites.

The following FAQs on our website regarding social benefits, unemployment, and housing may also be of interest to you:

access-nl.org/relocating-to-netherlands/dutch-social-security-benefits/

access-nl.org/dual-careers-netherlands/working/unemployment-netherlands/

access-nl.org/housing-netherlands/

 

I have recently moved to the Netherlands and I don’t have a BSN number. Is it possible to have health insurance without a BSN number?

Posted on by Katerina Triantafillou

It is not possible to obtain Dutch health insurance without a burgerservicenummer (BSN – citizen service number).

If you are coming to stay in the Netherlands for more than four months, you are required to have a  residence permit and BSN.  The BSN It is required for starting a job in the Netherlands, opening a bank account, using the health care system, applying for benefits, etc. When you are legally living or working in the Netherlands for longer than four months, it is compulsory to get Dutch health insurance. This is  the so-called basisverzekering (basic insurance). It may take a while before you can get your BSN.  If you need medical help while you don’t have your BSN yet,  you can get the necessary care but will probably have to pay for it yourself. Once you have a health insurance, you can send the bill to your health insurance company and they will refund it according to their policy.

If you are temporarily residing in the Netherlands (fewer than four months), you are not obliged to take out Dutch health insurance. If you do not have a BSN, you are not registered in the Netherlands. If you still would like to take out Dutch health insurance, you will need to apply at the Social Security Office (Sociale Verzekeringbank – SVB). If you are working, it is likely that the request will not be accepted. In that case, you should make sure to extend the international or travel insurance from your home country.

If you have further questions, contact the SVB on 020 656 4848.

For more information related to your first three months in the Netherlands:

access-nl.org/relocating-to-netherlands/first-three-months/formalities/

I recently arrived in the Netherlands just as the many restrictions started. I have tried to register with several doctors and have been unsuccessful. What can I do?

Posted on by Katerina Triantafillou

Registering with a general practitioner (huisarts) is advisable but not required. Registering may be complicated as many practices may be full. Together with health insurers, health care providers and patient organisations, the Ministry of Health, Welfare and Sport (Ministerie van VWS) ensures that there are sufficient facilities and that people have sufficient choices. However, you must find your own doctor.

To search for a local doctor, check the ZorgkaartNederland website (in Dutch) and enter your postcode. For more information you can contact your health insurer or your municipality.

For more general information about relocating to the Netherlands, specifically the formalities needed for your first three months of stay:

access-nl.org/relocating-to-netherlands/