News item | 29-08-2025 | 15:00
In the future, people will be actively reminded the government of their rights and possibilities for financial support. There is also actively offering help in finding a job, support in applying for (social) facilities or assistance in solving problematic debts. UWV, SVB and municipalities may exchange more information for this. This is stated in the Proactive Services SZW bill that Minister Keijzer of Social Affairs and Employment sends to the House of Representatives.
Minister Keijzer: ‘Too many regulations that people in a vulnerable financial position are entitled are not used. This is because people do not know that the schemes exist or that they are afraid of having to repay a large amount of money later. Although this is understandable, it means that they will miss out an amount that can make the difference between financial stress or rest. Through this bill, implementing organizations that know their clients well can point people to the benefits to which they are entitled and thereby better support them in order to fully participate in society again. “
Now it is true that people have to know for themselves whether they are entitled to something and submit an application. As a result, many people do not use the (social) facilities to which they are entitled. This concerns, for example, the social assistance benefit, the Surcharge Act and the AIO (additional income provision for the elderly). They may end up under the social minimum and run a greater risk of money worries, poverty and debts.
Privacy
Public service providers are currently not allowed to process personal data of people to see if they are entitled to benefits or social provision due to their income or financial situation. The minister emphasizes that rules for exchanging personal data within this bill are very well defined. It is only used to show people what they are entitled to and not for enforcement.
The Council of State has advised positively on the Proactive Services SZW bill. The explanation states that the minister wants to coordinate the implementation nationally. As a result, the implementation can be relatively fast and there are not too large differences between municipalities.