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Dutch law change lets relatives apply for long-term care on behalf of vulnerable people
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From 1 January 2027, relatives will be able to sign applications for Dutch long-term care on behalf of vulnerable people who cannot apply themselves, a change the government says will ease delays and paperwork.
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From 1 January 2027, relatives will be able to sign applications for intensive care under the Netherlands’ Long-term Care Act (Wlz) on behalf of vulnerable people who cannot understand the consequences of applying themselves.
The change is intended to make it easier for partners and family members to arrange care when a person is unable to do so, often because of dementia. It will also cover relatives of people with a disability or mental health vulnerability, the Dutch government says.
Health minister Mirjam Sterk said the change should reduce delays in arranging care and cut administrative work for families and care staff. The government says care institutions and the Care Needs Assessment Centre (CIZ) will also save money. The announcement does not specify how large those savings are.
The amendment is part of the 2025–28 Long-term Care Framework Agreement.
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