News item | 02-04-2025 | 18:15
The government wants to ensure that UWV, SVB and municipalities can actively approach people to point out benefits and other (social) facilities to which they are entitled. It should therefore be possible to share certain data with each other. In this way, the cabinet wants to increase livelihood and reduce poverty. Subsequently, public service providers will also offer assistance in applying for a scheme.
This is stated in the Proactive Services SZW draft decision that Minister Eddy van Hijum of Social Affairs and Employment has put online today. People can respond in terms of content up to and including 14 May 2025.
Too many people do not know that they are entitled to a benefit or provision because of their income or are afraid to request it for fear that they will have to pay back something. As a result, people may end up under the social minimum and the risk of money worries, poverty and debts increases. Through proactive services, Minister Van Hijum wants to make it possible for UWV, SVB and municipalities to actively point out their rights and financial support. They can also be pointed out to help finding a job or resolving problematic debts.
Now it is true that people have to know if they are entitled to something. Public service providers do not yet have the task of actively pointing out this. In order to increase existence and to reduce poverty, Minister Van Hijum wants to change that. This concerns, for example, the social assistance benefit, the Surcharge Act and the AIO (additional income provision for the elderly). New regulations will soon make this a lot easier and more people can be helped. UWV, SVB and municipalities can inform people and then also help them with the application procedure.
Privacy
Public service providers are currently not allowed to process personal data of people to see if their income or financial situation is entitled to benefits or social provision. By must be possible soon. The minister emphasizes that rules for exchanging personal data are very well defined. It is only used to show people what they are entitled to, and therefore not for enforcement.
Do you want to respond?
You can respond until May 14, 2025 via Internetconsultatie.nl.