FAQ
Step-by-step plan – application via WMO or PGB
The ‘Wet maatschappelijke ondersteuning’ (WMO) is a Dutch law that ensures that municipalities support residents in order to continue living at home for as long as possible and to participate in society. The municipality is responsible for providing support to individuals who are not able to be self-reliant, for example, with guidance and day activities. The WMO offers various forms of social support, such as domestic help, wheelchairs, and collective transportation. The goal is to support people in need of assistance and the elderly so that they can live independently for as long as possible and actively participate in society.
It’s great that you’ve taken the step to request support through the WMO. Below are the steps you can take to submit an application:
Make an appointment with the municipality
Contact the municipality in your area and request an appointment to discuss your personal situation. This can be done by phone, email, or through the website. The municipality should schedule an appointment with you within 6 weeks to assess your situation.
Preparation
Prepare for the meeting. Write down what problems you are facing and why you need a wheelchair. Also, consider what you can do yourself to improve your situation.
The meeting
During the meeting, the best solution for your situation will be discussed. It may be necessary for further investigation, for example, by an independent research agency.
Decision
After the meeting, you will receive a written approval or rejection after approximately two weeks. They will also inform you whether the municipality will grant or deny the transport provision.
Start assistance
If the application is approved, you can start looking for a suitable wheelchair.
Do not be discouraged by the application process, as it is intended to help you! Do not wait too long to seek assistance through the WMO because the sooner you do, the sooner you can get help. Stay positive and know that there are always solutions.
Using an aid can make you more self-reliant and less dependent on others. Under the WMO, you are entitled to an aid that suits you and your needs. The difference between a PGB and WMO is that with a PGB, you have the choice of which aid to purchase, while with WMO, the supplier designated by the municipality determines your aid. Therefore, it is very important that you can clearly and effectively indicate what aid you need and why it is the best choice for you. Know that, as an individual in need of assistance, you always have the right to an aid that is suitable for you and your situation. Do not be discouraged and stand up for what you need. Never let the municipality take on the role of the caregiver and make use of your right to a suitable aid.
Contact the municipality
Contact the municipality in your area and request an appointment to discuss your personal situation. This can be done by phone, email, or through the website. Indicate that you want to submit an application for a PGB.
Preparation
Prepare for the meeting. Write down what your problems are and what help you need. Also, consider how much care and support you need and who will deliver it.
The conversation
During the conversation, it will be discussed how much budget you need to get the right help and support. The choice freedom for you as a care recipient will be most important here. Agreements are also made about accountability and administration.
Decision
After the conversation, the municipality will make a decision about your application. If the application is approved, you will receive a decision with the amount of your PGB. With this, you can purchase care and buy an aid that fits your needs. You apply for the PGB yourself, the municipality is legally obliged to provide it if they have informed you (in writing) that they give the allocation for the transport provision. Each municipality may determine the amount of the PGB amount, there is no national policy written for this.
Choosing a wheelchair
Now that you have applied for the PGB, you will provide quotes to the municipality yourself. The municipality checks the quote and approves it. Then, an amount is paid out. You then do business directly with O4. The wheelchair is completely tailor-made for you, and the delivery time is 6 to 8 weeks on average.
It may be that your municipality obligates you to take out a maintenance contract for period x when providing a PGB. This is not mandatory because with a PGB, the customer becomes the owner of the product and is responsible for maintaining the wheelchair. The municipality may impose a maintenance obligation on you as a PGB recipient, but cannot impose additional conditions.
When the municipality has given a written allocation via the WMO for the transport provision, you can be put in contact with their in-kind supplier by the municipality. Often, this is Medipoint or Welzorg. Suppliers often first recommend their own products from their standard package above a package from third parties. If you do not agree with the offer made by the municipality’s supplier, you can object based on a good argumentation (and/or medical evidence).
The difference between a PGB and WMO in kind is that with a PGB, you determine which aid you want. With the WMO in kind, the supplier of the municipality determines which aid you will get, unless you can argue and raise why the aid that the municipality’s supplier comes with is not ‘adequate/fits’.
Can I receive any compensation?
If you are purchasing a Flow wheelchair, there may be options for you to receive compensation. This is arranged through the Social Support Act (Wet Maatschappelijke Ondersteuning or WMO) via your municipality.
It is best to contact the WMO office of your municipality to inquire about the possibilities for assistance in the purchase cost of the Flow wheelchair. The employees of the WMO office can provide you with more information about this and assist you in applying for compensation. Make sure you have all necessary information at hand, such as a doctor’s indication, a quote for the wheelchair, and any other relevant information.
It can also be possible for you to be eligible for partial reimbursement of the cost of a custom-made wheelchair through your health insurance. Therefore, it is recommended to also contact your health insurer and inquire about the possibilities.
Different requirements and regulations apply to compensation in the Netherlands depending on the specific situation. In the case of a custom-made wheelchair, such as the Flow wheelchair, the assistance usually comes through the Social Support Act (WMO) of the municipality. The requirements for a WMO assistance vary per municipality, but in general, they are granted to persons with disabilities who experience problems with performing daily activities. The wheelchair must therefore be necessary for you to function independently.
Furthermore, it could also be possible that the purchase of a custom-made wheelchair is reimbursed by your health insurer. This varies per health insurer and the type of insurance, but in general, a medical indication from a specialist such as a rehabilitation physician or orthopedist is needed. Sometimes, financial conditions also apply, such as a personal contribution or a maximum reimbursement.
Therefore, it is recommended to contact both the municipality (for WMO assistance) and the health insurer (for possible reimbursement from the insurance) for more information about the conditions and possibilities in your specific situation.
The amount of compensation depends on the specific situation and type of compensation.
In the case of compensation for a custom-made wheelchair, such as the Flow wheelchair, the amount of reimbursement depends on the program that offers this support. In the Netherlands, this usually goes through the Social Support Act (WMO) of the municipality, or through the health insurer of the individual. The received amount is determined by factors such as the income of the applicant, the degree of disability, and the costs of the required equipment or services.
Therefore, it is recommended to contact the relevant program or provider to understand the details of the available assistance and the amount that can be received in a specific situation.
Other questions
Absolutely! At O4 Wheelchairs, we believe it’s important that your wheelchair perfectly meets your personal needs. That’s why we work closely with each individual user to design a custom-made Flow wheelchair that suits them. You can choose from various options for back support, adjust the seat height, customize the seat angle, and choose adjustable footrests and armrests. All of these adjustments are designed to provide our users with more comfort and support.
Yes, most models of Flow wheelchairs can be transported in a car, depending on the size of the wheelchair. Some models are designed with a foldable frame, making them easier to store in the trunk or backseat of a car.
Remember to measure your car type and size, as well as the dimensions of the wheelchair, to ensure that it fits before deciding to travel with it.
Yes, there are special versions of the Flow wheelchair available for children. These child versions are designed to meet the unique needs of children, making them comfortable and safe to use. These wheelchairs are smaller and lighter than the adult versions, making them easier to maneuver for children who may have less strength.
The Flow wheelchair is custom-made to your measurements. This includes adjusting the seat width, seat depth, and back height to fit your body. Additionally, options such as the camber angle and wheel size of the rear wheels, the angle/shape of the front tubes, and the wheelbase can be selected.
There are also many different options for the assembled components, too many to mention here; we offer various types of rear wheels and front wheels, brakes, clothing protectors, etc.
In addition to delivering a perfectly fitting wheelchair, we also want you to be proud of your beautiful wheelchair! That’s why we offer various color options for the upholstery of the seat and backrest, as well as for the frame itself. If you have a specific request, please contact us to see what options are available.
The Flow seating system allows for easy readjustment of the activity and seat height even after the purchase. If you or your circumstances change, your wheelchair can change with you.
There are several ways to purchase a Flow wheelchair. You can search for an authorized O4 Wheelchairs dealer near you or directly through our own factory.
The Flow wheelchair does not require any special maintenance compared to other wheelchairs. The Flow seating system is maintenance-free. It is important to keep the tires properly inflated for low rolling resistance and regularly check the wear parts such as brakes and tires. More details regarding maintenance can be found in the user manual.
Technically, the wheelchair is designed to have a lifespan of five years. However, in practice, this greatly depends on the level and type of use during these five years.
Certain parts may wear out with use of the wheelchair. However, these parts are designed to be replaceable and can be ordered from the seller of your wheelchair. The sales point can order and install Flow-specific parts from O4.
Replacement parts for the Flow wheelchair can be ordered from O4. Ask the sales point where the wheelchair was purchased for more information. They can also assist with any necessary installation.
Apart from the Flow Mono, all Flow models are approved and highly suitable for use in combination with a handbike. The stable frame ensures a worry-free riding experience, and the adjustable Flow seating system provides optimal seating position even after coupling with a handbike.
The coupling is usually arranged by the handbike supplier. Based on our experience and contact with various handbike manufacturers, we can generally provide a good indication of how well the particular handbike can be mounted on our wheelchair. Consult our specialists for your specific handbike. More information can also be found under “add-on accessoires, attachable bike.”
The Flow wheelchair, with its stable frame, is highly suitable for any type of electrical propulsion wheels. However, the mounting on the frame may vary depending on the brand and type, so contact our specialists to inquire about compatibility with your specific propulsion wheels. More information can also be found under add-on accesoires, electric propulsion.
