Wmo Application Process for Caregivers

As a caregiver, applying for Wmo support can be an important step in easing the care for your loved one. The Wmo offers assistance for living independently at home and can also provide support to relieve you as a caregiver. Here you can read how to apply for Wmo and the steps involved.

What is the Wmo and what can you apply for?

The Wmo, or Social Support Act, is a law that ensures people can live at home as long as possible and actively participate in society. The municipality implements this law. If you can no longer do certain things yourself and help from family or neighbors is not enough, the Wmo can provide support.

You can apply for the Wmo for various forms of assistance, such as:

Help with household tasks.
Guidance in daily life.
Daycare activities.
Transportation.
Home modifications.
Aids such as a wheelchair.

As a caregiver, you can also apply for support, for example in the form of respite care, to temporarily relieve you. For most forms of help via the Wmo, you pay a personal contribution, which is a fixed maximum amount per month. Some municipalities charge less. The municipality will work with you to determine what is needed in your situation. The first step for an application is made at the Wmo desk of your municipality.

How to start a Wmo application?

Starting a Wmo application involves a few steps. Here's how to approach it:

Start with a notification

Make a notification: Contact the Wmo desk in the municipality where the person in need of help is registered. This can be done online, by phone, or by making an appointment at the Wmo counter.
Receipt confirmation: After your notification, you will receive a confirmation. It is important to keep this.

Submit a personal plan

Voluntary plan: You can submit a personal plan describing what help is needed and why. This must be done within a week of the notification.

Investigation and conversation

Investigation by the municipality: The municipality investigates your situation. This can be done through a conversation or home visit.
Tell your story: During the conversation, you can indicate what is not working, what you want to be able to do, and what help you are already receiving from loved ones.
Bring someone along: You may bring someone with you, such as a client supporter, for extra support.

Decision and personal contribution

Decision on paper: If you agree with the report of the investigation, the application follows, and you receive a decision.
Personal contribution: For some provisions, you pay a personal contribution. The amount can be found at the CAK.

This is how you take the first steps towards Wmo support. Do you have questions or need help? Client support can assist you further.

What happens after the Wmo notification?

After a Wmo notification to the municipality, a process follows to determine what support you can receive. First, you receive a confirmation of your notification. Then the municipality investigates your situation. This often happens through a conversation or home visit. During this conversation, you can explain what you find difficult, what you would like to be able to do, and what help you are already receiving from loved ones. It is possible to bring someone for support, such as a client supporter.

You can also submit a personal plan. In this, you describe what help you need and why. This plan is voluntary and must be submitted within a week of the notification.

If you agree with the report of the conversation, you submit an official application. Then you receive a decision on paper. For some provisions, you must pay a personal contribution. The amount is determined by the CAK.

How can you object to a Wmo decision?

If you disagree with a Wmo decision, you can object. The decision you receive will specify exactly how to do this and within what timeframe. It is important not to wait too long to seek help if you want to object.

Make an objection yourself: Use the form the municipality provides for this. Make sure you clearly describe why you disagree with the decision.

Objection via an authorized representative: If someone else makes an objection on your behalf, a different form must be used. This person must be authorized to act for you.

It can be helpful to engage an independent client supporter. This person can help you understand the decision better and assist you in formulating your objection. For legal advice, additional support may be needed.

Ensure you object within the specified timeframe. This prevents your objection from not being processed.

Where can you go for help and advice?

For help and advice in applying for Wmo support, there are various places you can go.

Wmo desk: Here you can ask questions about provisions and support you can apply for via the Wmo. They help you with information about what is possible and how to submit an application.

Client support: This is a free service that offers you independent advice and help in arranging care and support. They can assist you in applying for provisions and submitting complaints.

Caregiver support: If you need support as a caregiver, you can contact a desk specifically focused on caregiving. They offer tailored advice and support.

Municipality: For general questions about care and support, you can also contact your municipality. They can refer you to the right agencies and desks.

It is important to know that you do not have to incur costs for independent client support. This service is there to help you find the right care and support.

What are the next steps after a Wmo decision?

After a Wmo decision, there are various next steps you can take, depending on your situation and whether you agree with the decision.

Disagree with the decision?

If you disagree with the decision, you can object. The decision specifies how to do this and within what timeframe.
In Zoetermeer, there are special forms for submitting objections, both personally and via an authorized representative.
Do not wait too long to seek help. An independent client supporter can help you understand the decision and clearly describe your request for help.
For legal advice, additional support may be needed.

Agree with the decision?

If you agree with the decision, you can proceed with its implementation. This could involve modifying the home, such as installing a stairlift or removing thresholds.
You pay a personal contribution via the CAK for the provisions you receive.

Other possibilities

If living at home is no longer feasible, you can look into other living arrangements such as assisted or protected living.
If you want to live closer together to maintain care, a caregiver home might be an option.
For support in living independently, you can consider smart aids. Check in advance what reimbursements are possible and whether an indication is needed.

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