“More awareness needed about the right to increased compensation”

According to Vooruit, people often do not know that they are eligible and they also notice this in Menen. There they persuade people with campaigns to come to the Social House and thus overcome the first hurdle. Today you could exchange your old shower head for a water-saving one. Angelique Declercq, alderman of Menen Poverty Reduction (Vooruit): “Because people come to us, we can inform them, question a few things, provide extra information, which lowers the threshold even more.”

In this way, the city also finds out whether people are entitled to increased compensation for medical costs, or an income guarantee for the elderly. Because many people do not make use of it, according to figures from the Vooruit party: 6 out of 10. Melissa Depraetere, member of parliament (Vooruit): “Very often because they do not know that it exists. Two, do not know that they are entitled to it and three: we also see that the step to the OCMW is a threshold, even if you are entitled to it.”

Energy exchanges

However: with this you also fall under the social rate for your energy bills, for example, emphasizes the city of Menen. “We have organized three energy fairs. In the fall, and also one last week. And there we find that half of the people who have questions about their energy bill are actually entitled to the increased allowance, but are not aware of it. “

Vooruit recommends that you find out whether you are entitled to this compensation. And if the threshold at the Social House is too high: it is also possible at the health insurance company or your pension fund.