Can CAK reduce my care contribution after my income falls?
What would you like help with?
Detailed explanation, checklist and sources
Sometimes. CAK normally uses income and part of your assets from two years earlier. You may request an adjustment after a substantial fall, but the rules differ for Wlz, protected housing and Wmo.
On this page
1. Identify the applicable scheme
Read the CAK decision to see whether it concerns Wlz, protected housing or Wmo. These routes are not interchangeable. For Wmo, income-based adjustment is available only when the municipality providing the care has a low-income policy; CAK directs residents of protected housing institutions to the Wlz route.
2. Compare the income used with current income
CAK normally calculates with income and part of the assets from two years earlier. Gather the decision, reference year, current expected income and assets, and partner details where relevant. A lower monthly net income alone does not prove that every official condition is met.
3. Check the conditions for your scheme
Separate conditions apply to adjustment of the low contribution for Wlz and protected housing. For Wmo, CAK considers the municipal low-income discount threshold and the required fall in contributory income. Check current figures on CAK’s official page or your decision; do not reuse an amount from an older year.
4. Apply for adjustment in time
Apply through Mijn CAK or the correct form for the correct year. For a 2026 contribution, CAK gives 1 May 2027 as the deadline for Wlz and protected housing. Earlier years and Wmo may have different periods, so check the scheme and the date on your decision.
5. Allow for provisional and final calculations
If granted, CAK first recalculates using expected current-year income and assets. Final tax data later may lead to a correction invoice, refund or additional payment. Keep the application, decision and calculation and report relevant changes according to CAK’s instructions.
6. Compare payment and exemption routes
If payment is currently unaffordable, separately ask about a payment arrangement. For social-assistance income or very low income, some Wlz or protected-housing contributions may qualify for exemption to zero. These are different routes: a payment plan does not correct the calculation and an adjustment request does not automatically stop invoices.
What should I compare before applying?
List the scheme, contribution year, current monthly amount, income and assets used, expected current-year income and assets, partner status, municipality and reason for the fall. Also note whether a payment arrangement or exemption is needed. This prepares the request; CAK makes the official calculation.
Documents to prepare
Prepare your next stepFill in and save · Word
Tick what you have checked or collected. Note what is missing and take your overview to a meeting.
Unless saved in My overview: Your entries stay only on this screen. Download before leaving; closing or reloading clears them. Do not enter identity numbers, passwords or unnecessary personal details.
What do you still need for your next step?
Item 1 / 8 · Where do you stand with this item?
CAK decision and scheme
This overview follows your own answers. It does not assess your rights or guarantee that your file is complete.
Your choices stay here. Use the buttons below if you want to save or download.
View all details, notes and timeline
Your timeline and evidence
List events and contacts. Note where you keep the evidence; no upload is needed.
What goes in my timeline?
Record what happened, when, the response and where to find the letter, message or photo. Mark uncertain dates.
Is my evidence sent?
No. You only note where it is kept. No files are uploaded or sent automatically.
How do I save my timeline?
Your entries are not saved automatically. Choose Save and continue later to store this preparation, including your timeline, in My overview. Wait for confirmation and save new changes again. You can also download a Word file without an account.
Up to 20 events. Choose a different position for an event to change the order.
0 / 8 · Checked or collected
For each event, note the date, what happened and where the evidence is kept. Example: 3 October — letter received — correspondence folder.
Describe the solution you would like, such as an explanation of a deduction and repayment of the outstanding amount.
For example: which document is missing, who can provide it and what should I do first?
Record the date and its source. If unknown, note this and check promptly. This tool does not calculate or monitor deadlines.
After your conversation
These are your own notes. Confirm agreements with the other person; these notes do not prove their agreement.
This is your preparation, not a submitted request, objection or legally reviewed document. A tick records only your own progress. Check the procedure and deadline in the original letter.
Save and continue later
Clear entries
Download anything you want to keep first. Clearing cannot be undone.
- CAK decision and scheme
- Contribution year and reference year
- Current income estimate
- Asset and partner data
- Municipality providing Wmo care
- Current conditions and thresholds
- Application deadline
- Application confirmation and correction invoice
Sources
Need personal assistance? Request a lawyer through our chat. We explain the next step; submitting a request does not engage a lawyer. The links below support the legal information.
CAK · Aanpassing eigen bijdrage aanvragen ↗CAK · Voorwaarden aanpassing Wmo ↗CAK · Lager inkomen ↗CAK · Vrijstelling lage eigen bijdrage ↗Sources may be in Dutch. General information about Dutch law, not individual legal advice.