Do you care for someone in your environment? Out of love or necessity? Then you may be an informal caregiver: someone who provides long-term and unpaid care for a family member, friend or neighbour with a chronic illness, disability or other care need. The Netherlands has more than five million informal caregivers, and for them, extra help can often mean a lot. Our partner Senior Service offers support that is specifically tailored to informal caregivers.
Combining informal care with work
Providing informal care is valuable, but it can also be intensive. Especially if you also have a job. Fortunately, many collective labor agreements contain agreements to better combine work and care. Think of flexible working hours or possibilities to organize your work tasks differently. Therefore, always check your employment conditions to see what applies to you.
Arrangements and compensation for informal caregivers
Although there is no general reimbursement for informal care, you can often use specific arrangements. Here are some options:
- Support from the municipality: Some municipalities offer travel allowances or parking permits to informal caregivers. Ask your municipality about the possibilities.
- Public Transport Companion Card: Are you unable to travel independently by public transport? At Argonaut you can Apply for an OV-Bezorgenkaart, so that you do not have to pay for your supervisor's public transport costs.
- Additional child benefit: Do you have a child living at home who needs intensive care? You may be able to apply for this through the Social Insurance Bank apply for extra child benefit.
- Supplementary health insurance: Check the policy conditions of your health insurance. Some insurers offer additional reimbursements for informal care support.
- Personal budget (PGB): A PGB can be used to organize care, including compensation for informal care. Inquire about this with the municipality or health insurer. We refer to the website of rijksoverheid.nl: Where do I apply for a personal budget (PGB)?
Help from Senior Service
De Unie works together with Senior Service, the informal care organization of the Netherlands. They offer support and care to make it possible to live at home longer, with attention to both the practical and financial side of care. Senior Service provides expert employees who help you, your parents or other loved ones in daily life.
Member Benefits
As a member of De Unie you can apply for a free membership at Senior ServiceThis gives you access to additional support and advice about informal care.
Want to know more?
Read more about caregiving assistance Senior Services. And do you have questions about the member benefit? Then contact us. Our Service Center is available every working day from 8:30 to 17:00 via sc@unie.nl and 0345 851 963.
