What Does Domestic Help Actually Cost?
The cost of domestic help depends on how you arrange it. There are three options: WMO (through the municipality), PGB (paying yourself with a subsidy) or private (hiring your own cleaner). In this guide we compare the costs of all three.
1. WMO Domestic Help (Cheapest)
Through WMO, you pay a co-payment of up to €21.80 per month (2026). This is a fixed amount, regardless of how many hours of help you receive. The municipality pays the rest.
- •Cost: max. €21.80/month
- •Requirement: municipal certification (via kitchen table conversation)
- •Advantage: almost free, more hours = more value
- •Disadvantage: 4-8 week waiting time, less freedom of choice
2. PGB (Personal Budget)
With a PGB, you receive a budget from the municipality to hire your own cleaner. You pay the same co-payment as with WMO (max. €21.80/month), but you have more freedom of choice.
- •Cost: max. €21.80/month co-payment
- •Advantage: you choose who comes, often a trusted person
- •Disadvantage: you must keep your own administration
- •Suitable for: elderly people who want a specific person
3. Private Cleaner (More Expensive)
A private cleaner costs an average of €12 to €18 per hour. At 2 hours per week, you pay €96 to €144 per month. This is many times more expensive than WMO.
- •Cost: €12-€18/hour, average €96-€144/month (2 hours/week)
- •Advantage: no certification needed, full freedom of choice
- •Disadvantage: more expensive, no guarantee on quality
- •Tip: ask for an employer's declaration if you hire a cleaner as staff
Comparison: What Is Cheapest?
WMO is by far the cheapest option. If your parent qualifies, it is always worth applying. Private cleaning is a good alternative if WMO doesn't work out or if you need help quickly.
Did you know? With WMO help, your parent gets 2-4 hours of professional cleaning per week for just €21.80 per month. That is less than €1 per hour.
How Do You Apply for WMO Help?
Read our extensive step-by-step plan in the blog 'How to Apply for WMO Domestic Help for Your Parent'. It explains exactly how it works.
How Does Zorgvrij Schoonmaak Help?
Zorgvrij Schoonmaak offers both WMO cleaning and private cleaning. We help you with the application and provide a regular, trusted cleaner. Contact us for a no-obligation quote.
Want to know what domestic help costs for your situation? Contact us.
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