Good news! The Dutch government plans to adjust the social security system to make it more friendly and understandable for everyone.
What does this mean?
Social Affairs Minister Eddy van Haium has proposed a bill that would give people the right to make mistakes. This means that if someone accidentally makes a small mistake when applying for benefits or subsidies, they will not be automatically penalised, but will instead be treated with understanding and trust by government agencies.
The child benefit scandal that erupted in 2021 showed the importance of a fair approach. Many families suffered because the tax office made mistakes, automatically classifying them as fraudsters without proper investigation. The reason could be, for example, the lack of a signature on the application form.
The new bill aims to prevent such cases by offering more trust and support instead of automatic punishments for minor mistakes.
Why is this important?
- More trust: The state strives to trust its citizens and understand that mistakes can happen to anyone.
- Fewer fines: If an error does occur, it will not result in immediate fines or a refund requirement.
- Individual approach: Bodies such as the UWV and SVB will take into account each person's personal situation and help solve problems.
How will this affect people?
- Debt reduction: the debt repayment period will be reduced from 10 to 5 years, after which the remaining debt can be written off.
- Accounting for state errors: errors committed due to the fault of government agencies will also be taken into account.
- Prevention instead of punishment: Authorities will focus more on preventing errors rather than punishing them.
When to expect changes?
The bill will be considered in parliament at the beginning of 2025, which means that people will soon be able to feel positive changes.
Don't forget about the advance subsidy system!
It is important to remember that in the Netherlands, subsidies are usually given in advance based on the data you provide. At the end of the year, the subsidies are recalculated taking into account your real life situation and income. If you were paid subsidies in excess, you will have to return them.
This is standard practice — and the reason why you should keep track of changes in your life: marriage, having children, or a change in income. If there is a change, be sure to adjust your subsidies! Failure to update information in a timely manner can lead to unwanted financial surprises at the end of the year.
Understanding all the rules and requirements can be challenging, but the new measures will undoubtedly help people feel more confident and receive the support they need without unnecessary stress. It is important that the social system becomes fairer and more supportive for everyone. But do not forget about your responsibilities: make sure you update your data in a timely manner to avoid unexpected situations.
You can apply for a change in the subsidy by ordering the service on our website.