Children (4 to 17 years) from families with an income lower than 130% of the legal social minimum are eligible for this. This reimbursement allows children from low-income families to join a sports club or participate in cultural lessons.
Greater reach through Rotterdampas
The reimbursement for participation in sports and culture is not new; currently, an application can be submitted through the Youth Fund Sports & Culture Rotterdam. This often happens through an intermediary, such as a gym teacher or social worker.
This extra administrative step is now being removed. When children purchase a Rotterdampas at a low rate (€ 0), the sports and culture reimbursement will automatically be added to the card. By linking the reimbursement to the Rotterdampas, parents and children can directly submit an application to a participating sports or cultural provider.
Child poverty in Rotterdam
This simplification will make it much more accessible for children and their parents, says Abigail Norville, alderman for Poverty Reduction, Debt Assistance, Language, and Benefits. Parents will only need to have their income checked once, namely when applying for the Rotterdampas. After that, the scheme will automatically be on the childrens card. By lowering the threshold, we hope that many more children will take advantage of the scheme.
This new approach aligns with the colleges goal of increasing the reach of poverty schemes for children.
Parents will only need to have their income checked once, namely when applying for the Rotterdampas. After that, the scheme will automatically be on the childrens card.
How will it work in the future?
Every year, about 25,000 children in Rotterdam purchase a Rotterdampas at the low rate. Starting March 1, 2026, a digital voucher will automatically be linked to it. This can be redeemed for, for example, a year-long membership or a lesson package at participating sports and cultural providers. The reimbursement for items such as club clothing or the rental of musical instruments is also an option. The municipality will approach sports and cultural providers this fall to join the new approach.
For many children, it is the case that they register with a sports or cultural association at the start of the school year. This will continue throughout 2025 via the Youth Fund. Link opens an external page.