Half of low-income families do not use social subsidies for their children

Nearly half of low-income families do not use social fund support for their children. This is evident from research that ABN Amro conducted together with the Youth Fund for Sport & Culture.

Approximately 1.2 million people have to survive on an income around the poverty line. They may, therefore, be eligible for support for additional expenses for their children, for things like sports and cultural activities. However, almost half of the families do not use this.

People with work and a low income are especially reluctant to ask for support. Uncertainty about the application criteria and shame in asking for help play an important role, according to the researchers. Many parents also fear complicated procedures and think that the money may have to be repaid. People on benefits or social assistance often ask for support.

Funds that parents can call on include the Leergeld Foundation, the Youth Sports & Culture Fund, and the Jarige Job Foundation. According to the researchers, it is noticeable that once people use a fund, the threshold for applying to other social funds becomes lower. For example, 15 percent of families have applied for a facility from two and 19 percent from three or more funds.