News item | 14-02-2025 | 14:30
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. That is why it must be legally possible to share certain data with each other. In this way, the cabinet wants to increase livelihood and reduce poverty. Subsequently, implementing organizations will also offer assistance in applying for a scheme. The Proactive Services Bill that regulates this by Minister Van Hijum of Social Affairs and Employment goes to the Council of State for advice today.
Too many people do not know that they are entitled to a benefit or facility 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. By means of the Proactive Services bill, Minister Van Hijum wants to make it possible for the UWV, SVB and municipalities to fully point out to people of their rights and financial support. They can also be pointed out to help finding a job or resolving problematic debts.
Minister Van Hijum: “Too often people experience the government with all the different regulations and surcharges as a maze in which they completely lose their way. I want to ensure that people know how to find available help. That is a major responsibility for the government. We have to actively go to people to point them out to financial support. In this way we also get better in the picture that people are dealing with and we can, for example, help with solving debts or guiding someone back to work. This not only increases livelihood, but also trust in the government. ”
Now it is true that people have to know if they are entitled to something. Implementing organizations may not actively point this out. In order to increase existence and to reduce poverty, Minister Van Hijum wants to change that. He cooperates with municipalities that already lead to the law and try to point out a certain scheme more actively. This concerns, for example, the social assistance benefit, the Surcharge Act and the AIO (additional income provision for the elderly). By also anchoring it in the law, this will soon become 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.
Implementing organizations cannot see at the moment whether people are entitled to benefits or social provision due to their income or financial situation. This will soon be possible due to the bill. The minister emphasizes that rules for exchanging personal data in this law are very well defined. It is only used to show people what they are entitled to, and therefore not for enforcement.