How to Apply for WMO Domestic Help for Your Parent

Your Parent Needs Help — Where Do You Start?

You notice your father's or mother's house is getting dirtier. The kitchen is greasy, the bathroom has limescale, and the vacuum cleaner seems unused for weeks. Your parent says 'it's fine', but you know better. This is a familiar scenario for thousands of children in the Netherlands.

Fortunately, there is WMO domestic help — a scheme that allows elderly people to get free or affordable cleaning help from the municipality. But how do you apply? Who does what? And what does it cost? In this guide we explain everything step by step, written specifically for children who want to help their parent.

What Is WMO Domestic Help?

The Social Support Act (WMO) is a municipal scheme. If a resident can no longer run the household — due to age, illness or disability — the municipality can arrange help. This can be a cleaner, but also help with cooking, laundry or grocery shopping.

Important to know: your parent does not need to be care-dependent. The threshold is low. If the household can no longer be managed — for example due to back problems, dementia or reduced mobility — your parent is eligible.

Can I Apply for WMO Help for My Parent as a Child?

Yes, you can. As a caregiver or family member, you can contact the municipality to start a WMO application for your father or mother. However, your parent must consent to the kitchen table conversation — you cannot arrange this without their permission.

Step by Step: How to Apply for WMO Help

• •Step 1: Call your municipality. Indicate that your parent needs domestic help. In The Hague area, call the municipality where your parent lives (The Hague, Rijswijk, Leidschendam-Voorburg, Delft or Rotterdam).
• •Step 2: Request a WMO kitchen table conversation. This is a free meeting where a care worker visits your parent at home to assess the situation.
• •Step 3: Prepare for the conversation. Note which tasks can no longer be done (vacuuming, bathroom, cooking, etc.) and what help is needed.
• •Step 4: During the kitchen table conversation, the care worker discusses what is needed. Your parent can be present — and it is even recommended.
• •Step 5: You will receive a certification decision. This states how many hours of help per week are covered.
• •Step 6: The municipality refers to a contracted care provider, or your parent may choose their own provider.

What Does WMO Domestic Help Cost in 2026?

Since 2023, clients pay a co-payment for WMO services. In 2026, this is a maximum of €21.80 per month — regardless of how many hours of help your parent receives. This is a fixed, low amount. Your parent receives a monthly invoice from the CAK (Central Administration Office).

Important: the amount is the same whether your parent receives 2 hours or 10 hours of help per week. The more certified hours, the more value for the same amount.

How Long Does It Take Before Help Starts?

From application to first cleaning visit takes an average of 4 to 8 weeks. This depends on the municipality and waiting times. So start early — it is best to call before the situation becomes urgent.

What If My Parent Doesn't Want Help?

This is the most common problem. Many elderly people say 'I can still manage' or 'I don't want strangers in my house'. Tips:

• •Start the conversation from care, not criticism. Say 'Mum, I'm worried' instead of 'your house is dirty'.
• •Explain that the help is free (only €21.80 per month). Many elderly people think it is expensive.
• •Emphasise that they choose who comes — they can get a regular cleaner.
• •Suggest trying it a few times together first. They might like it.
• •Take them to a municipal information evening, if one is available.

What Tasks Are Covered by WMO Domestic Help?

WMO help can include:

• •Vacuuming and mopping
• •Kitchen cleaning (cabinets, countertops, hob)
• •Bathroom and toilet cleaning
• •Dusting and window cleaning
• •Laundry and ironing
• •Making the bed
• •Grocery shopping (by arrangement)
• •Preparing light meals

Not standardly included: garden maintenance, heavy household work or 24-hour care. Other schemes are available for these.

How Does Zorgvrij Schoonmaak Help with WMO?

Zorgvrij Schoonmaak is a certified WMO cleaning company in The Hague, Rijswijk and Rotterdam area. Our staff are specially trained to help elderly people in a respectful way. We offer:

• •A regular cleaner who gets to know your parent
• •Multilingual staff (Dutch, Turkish, Arabic, English)
• •Extra support: groceries, accompaniment, garden
• •Flexible hours — also on weekends
• •Collaboration with municipalities and care coordinators

We work with your municipality and care coordinator to provide the right help. Contact us for a no-obligation introductory meeting.