Reimbursement of informal caregiving costs and travel expenses

Informal caregiving can cost money. Think of travel expenses, extra supplies, or something else you need for the care. Sometimes you can get reimbursed for this, but that depends on the scheme or the desk.

Which informal caregiving costs can you be reimbursed for?

Informal caregiving can cost extra money. Think of travel, parking, meals, or aids. There is no national scheme that pays for all informal caregiving costs.

Sometimes the municipality reimburses travel expenses, parking, or exceptional assistance. An additional health insurance policy may also reimburse something. For some care costs and travel expenses, tax rules apply.

So keep receipts and note why you are making the costs. Always check the policy of yours or your loved one before you book or buy anything.

Who pays for respite care?

You can get reimbursement for respite care in different ways. Which route fits depends on the care your loved one is already receiving.

Does your loved one receive support under the Wmo? Then you request replacement care through the Wmo desk of your municipality. Is there an indication under the Long-Term Care Act (Wlz)? Then it goes through the care office in your region, often with a personal budget. Does the care fall under the Health Insurance Act (Zvw)? Then discuss it with your general practitioner or your health insurer.

An additional insurance policy sometimes reimburses replacement care for a number of days per year. Check your policy terms for this. Volunteer help is usually free.

How do travel expenses, parking, and other extra costs work?

Caring for someone else often costs more than time alone. Travel expenses, parking, meals, and aids can add up. There is no national scheme that pays for all of these costs.

Keep receipts carefully. Also always note why you are making the costs. That helps if you want to apply for something later.

Which reimbursements can you look into through insurance or the municipality?

You can look at several schemes side by side. Your municipality can sometimes provide an informal caregiving appreciation. That is a small token of thanks.

If someone is cared for with a personal budget, your loved one can sometimes pay you out of that budget. Through an additional health insurance policy, replacement care is sometimes possible. If you yourself have a low income, you can look into exceptional assistance, healthcare allowance, or the ZoetermeerPas. For special, necessary costs, exceptional assistance is also possible.

What you can get exactly differs per situation and per municipality. Always check the conditions. Ask for prior permission if that is needed.

How do you ask for help or advice in Zoetermeer?

The coordinators of the local access desk and the client support workers of independent client support give free advice about applying for respite care. They think along with you about which form fits your situation.

Mantelzorg Zoetermeer also helps you get started. They know the local schemes. They also organize respite days: day trips especially for informal caregivers.

If you cannot make ends meet financially or have debts, there is free help with financial matters and debt assistance. You apply for these schemes and this help through your municipality.

What is the best thing to do next?

Start by writing down which costs you are making. Then keep receipts and check the policy of yours or your loved one. Also see which route fits: through the municipality, the health insurer, or the care office.

If you do not know where to start, ask for help from Mantelzorg Zoetermeer, the local access desk, or independent client support. For financial matters and exceptional costs, you can go to your municipality. They will help you on your way.