Municipality of Bergen (L): applying for support by your municipality for reintegration into the labour market

If you receive benefits, you also have obligations. For example, you must do everything you can to get back to work.

For example:

• Try to find paid work. You must look for vacancies, apply for jobs and be registered with 1 or more employment agencies.
• Look for work not only in the area where you live, but also in the surrounding areas  or beyond. What happens if you find or are offered work? Then you must accept that work.
• Be prepared to travel for work.
• Cooperate with the municipality to create and implement a plan for your reintegration.
• Actively update or improve your knowledge and skills.

Click on the links below for more information about the benefits:

• Bijstand (Social Assistance): your income is too low to cover necessary expenses, such as rent, food, and drink. You receive this benefit from the municipality.
• IOAW: you were born before January 1, 1954, you became unemployed after your 50th birthday, and your income is too low to live on. You receive this benefit from the municipality.
• IOAZ: you are a self-employed entrepreneur aged 55 or older and want or need to close your business. Your income is therefore too low to live on. You receive this benefit from the municipality.
• WW: you are unemployed or will be soon, and cannot find other work in time. You receive this benefit from the Employee Insurance Agency (Uitvoeringsinstituut Werknemersverzekeringen - UWV).

Do you receive a benefit from the municipality (social assistance, IOAW or IOAZ) or an Anw benefit? Then the municipality will help you find a paid job. Please note: if you do not cooperate with the reintegration process, the municipality may temporarily reduce your benefit. Even if you do not receive benefits, you can receive help finding a paid job and contact the municipality for this.

Do you receive benefits from the UWV? If so, the UWV will assist you in finding a paid job. An employment expert will assess what you need to get back to work quickly. This could include coaching sessions, a course or training, a career aptitude test, or gaining practical experience. The UWV may also engage a reintegration agency.