# Netherlands Social Support Act usage and accessibility

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/netherlands-social-support-act-usage-and-accessibility
> Updated: 2026-10-22T20:02:37.000Z. Sources: 7. Developments: 2.

Data indicates a significant increase in the utilization and expenditure of services under the Social Support Act (Wmo) in the Netherlands. By 2025, nearly 1.3 million people used Wmo services, a 23 percent increase since 2017, with the most notable growth among those aged 75 to 85. Total municipal spending rose to approximately 6.3 billion euros in 2025, driven by an aging population and more complex care needs.

Despite the increase in overall usage and reported satisfaction levels in specific areas like Vlissingen, challenges remain regarding accessibility for certain users. Monitoring reports show that individuals using a personal budget (pgb) face lower levels of accessibility compared to those using contracted providers. Key issues include a lack of municipal communication, with approximately two-thirds of pgb respondents stating they were not informed about their ability to purchase aids independently. Additionally, financial constraints persist, as only 30% of pgb users reported sufficient budgets, leaving 52% needing to pay out of pocket for required equipment.

## Claims

- Nearly 1.3 million people used Wmo customized provisions in 2025. (corroborated by 2 sources)
- Wmo usage increased by 23 percent compared to 2017. (corroborated by 2 sources)
- Municipal Wmo expenditures reached approximately 6.3 billion euros in 2025. (corroborated by 2 sources)
- Wmo usage among 75- to 85-year-olds increased by 33 percent since 2017. (corroborated by 2 sources)
- Spending on household assistance rose from 938 million euros in 2017 to nearly 1.9 billion euros in 2025. (corroborated by 2 sources)
- Average costs per Wmo client increased by approximately 12 percent. (corroborated by 2 sources)
- In Vlissingen, 71-83 percent of Wmo clients were satisfied in 2025. (single source)
- The municipality of Vlissingen plans to increase efforts to promote independent client support in 2027. (single source)

## Timeline

### 2026-10-22: Netherlands Wmo spending and usage increase significantly

Wmo usage in the Netherlands rose to 1.3 million people in 2025, with municipal spending hitting 6.3 billion euros due to an aging population and increased care complexity.

3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/netherlands-wmo-spending-and-usage-increase-significantly

### 2026-10-15: Dutch Wmo budget holders face aid accessibility issues

A monitoring report reveals that Dutch Wmo budget holders face significant hurdles, including poor municipal information regarding personal budgets and insufficient funding to purchase necessary aids.

4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/dutch-wmo-budget-holders-face-aid-accessibility-issues

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Cite as: Netherlands Social Support Act usage and accessibility. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/netherlands-social-support-act-usage-and-accessibility