News item | 07-11-2022 | 07:00
‘You are not alone’
More and more households are experiencing financial difficulties due to high inflation and the sharp rise in energy bills. Despite the government’s extensive purchasing power measures, there are fears that the number of households with debt will increase significantly in the coming period. The Ministry of Social Affairs and Employment is therefore starting an offensive with Geldfit to point out the available help to people with money worries and to encourage them to take the first step.
If you only have a small buffer, payment arrears can quickly build up and things can go from bad to worse. Getting there early and preventing the problems from growing over your head is then the most important thing there is. That is difficult, because we prefer to keep financial worries to ourselves. The stress associated with money worries also makes asking for help difficult.
‘That is precisely why we must do everything we can to prevent people from keeping their money worries to themselves and the problems from piling up.’ according to minister Schouten van Poverty Policy, Participation and Pensions. ‘And we need to communicate much better what help and support is available. Because many people do not know the way to debt assistance from the municipality, a budget coach or a debt assistance buddy. Or do not know that it is possible to make a payment arrangement. Also, not everyone uses the income schemes that exist. I really want to improve that, bring help closer. The campaign we are launching today is helping to lower the threshold. With that we say: you are not alone.’
money fit
Geldfit is the place where all available help comes together. on moneyfit.nl you can use an online test to see what your financial situation is and what steps you can take to regain control of your money. If necessary, you will immediately receive contact details of organizations in your area that can help you with this. You can also call or chat with the money worries helpline, 0800-8115, for personal advice. Geldfit employees offer a listening ear and put you in touch with appropriate help in your area.
In the past quarter, 367,000 thousand people visited the website geldfit.nl, no less than three times as many as last year. Young and old, working or looking for work and also entrepreneurs with their own company. The platform is counting on a further increase in the number of requests for help next winter, partly due to the campaign by the ministry and other parties that refer to Geldfit, such as energy companies and banks.
The ‘You are not alone’ campaign of the Ministry of Social Affairs and Employment starts today. Other parties, such as municipalities, have been invited to join. More information: www.geldfit.nl/nietonly.