Assistance Available for Replacing Broken Appliances in Groningen
Starting September, expanded eligibility and easier access to municipal assistance for low-income residents to replace essential household appliances like washing machines, refrigerators, and laptops.
If your washing machine, television, laptop, cooker, or fridge is broken and you have had a low income for more than five years, you may be eligible for municipal assistance to replace these appliances starting in September. The updated "white goods scheme" offers easier access and expanded eligibility to more residents.
New Eligibility Conditions
- Income Threshold Increased: Previously, only those with an income up to 110% of the social minimum could apply. Starting in September, this will include individuals with an income up to 120% of the social minimum.
- Flexibility in Purchases: Applicants can now choose to buy a slightly more expensive device by contributing their own money.
Application Process
1. Eligibility:
- You must be 21 years or older.
- You cannot be a student unless you are a single parent, co-parent, or part of a married couple with children.
- You need to have had a low income for at least five years, with a maximum of 13 weeks of higher income during that time.
2. Specific Device Conditions:
- Washing Machines: Must be second-hand, and you must not have used the scheme for this item in the past four years.
- Refrigerators, Televisions, Cooking Appliances: Can be new or second-hand, and you must not have used the scheme for the same type of device in the past eight years.
- Computers or Laptops: Must be second-hand, and you must not have used the scheme for this item in the past four years.
3. Maximum Cost of Replacement Devices:
- Washing machine (second-hand): €275
- Computer/laptop (second-hand): €300
- Refrigerator: €250
- Cooking appliance: €160 (gas) or €378 (electric)
- Television: €249
4. Where to Buy:
- New devices can be bought at any store in the Netherlands (not online).
- Second-hand devices must be purchased from specified suppliers like Recycle Plan, The Computer Bank, and others.
5. How to Apply:
- Apply via the municipality’s website here.
- Track your application and upload necessary documents through My Groningen.
Additional Support
- Other Allowances and Arrangements: Check for more allowances you might be entitled to That applies to me from De VoorzieningenWijzer. This can help you save money monthly.
- Need Help?: If you need assistance with the application process, visit a WIJ team in your area. They provide computers, scanning equipment, and staff to help you.
These new conditions aim to provide better support to those in need, making it easier for low-income residents to replace essential household appliances.