legal and social conditions for asylum seekers and refugees in ...

SOCIAL CONDITIONS FOR REFUGEES
Introduction
As far as social conditions are concerned, Convention refugees (including quota refugees) and
persons granted residence permits for humanitarian reasons have the same entitlements, with a
few exceptions, which are mentioned below.
The Dutch municipalities must offer to all refugees and persons granted humanitarian status in
their area, the opportunity to participate in special integration programmes for aliens, which are
subsidised by the state up to the amount of NLG 10,000 [EUR 4,545.45] per person. Participation
in integration programmes is compulsory.
Financial assistance
The Social Assistance Act makes no distinction between categories. Dutch citizens, Convention
refugees and aliens with residence permits (including those issued on humanitarian grounds) are
all entitled to the same benefits if they are unable to support themselves.
The basic social allowance is supposed to cover all ordinary living expenses. As of 1 January
2000, monthly payments (after tax) are as follows:
Single person over 21 years
+ extra holiday allowance
Single parent over 21 years
+ extra holiday allowance
Couple over 21 years of age
+ extra holiday allowance
NLG 1,027.80
NLG 57.50
NLG 1,438.90
NLG 80.50
NLG 2,055.60
NLG 115.05
218
The Netherlands
EUR 458.60
EUR 26.15
EUR 653.65
EUR 36.60
EUR 934.35
EUR 52.30
Young people between the ages of 18 and 21 may receive income support until they are provided
with work through the special “Guaranteed Youth Employment Scheme”. The monthly payments
range from NLG 403 [EUR 183.20] for a single person to NLG 1761 [EUR 800.45] for a couple
with children, although an additional allowance may be granted to those who can prove that their
parents are unable to support them.
Extra financial assistance may also be granted to persons already in receipt of income support, to
cover unforeseen and unavoidable expenses. When basic furniture and household equipment are
required, an extra allowance is usually given in the form of a loan, with the result that most
refugees live on a reduced allowance for a period of three years. After that time, any outstanding
amounts owed are allowed to lapse.
Child benefit is granted subject to the following rules (as of 1 January 2000):
Child born after 1.1.1995, regardless of age NLG 350.05 per quarter EUR 159.10
Child born before 1.1. 1995, aged 0-6 NLG 350.05 per quarter EUR 159.10
Child born before 1.1. 1995, aged 6-12 NLG 425.05 per quarter EUR 193.20
Child born before 1.1. 1995, aged 12-18 NLG 500.05per quarter EUR 227.30
Convention refugees and those granted residence permits for humanitarian reasons are entitled
to receive child benefit as soon as their status has been confirmed, even if they are still living in a
residence centre.