News item | 16-11-2023 | 2:45 PM
The government wants to help more parents who have moved abroad because of the benefits affair. That is why the scheme is now being adjusted so that more parents can receive help to get their lives back on track.
Some of the affected parents have moved abroad because of the problems with childcare allowance. They receive an amount of 30,000 euros and help in tackling their debts. They can also make use of broad support and can receive support upon return to the Netherlands. Parents who left abroad before July 7, 2020 are currently eligible for this scheme. Recently, there have been regular signals that there are families who cannot make use of the available support, even though the problems with childcare allowance were a reason for their departure abroad. This concerns families who moved abroad after July 7, 2020. The government also wants to make broad support abroad possible for this group of parents. The government is therefore adjusting the date so that all parents who moved abroad before December 31, 2021 can count on financial recovery and support. The bill for this will be sent to the House.
Support for parents abroad
The parents abroad support team has been active since last year to support parents who have moved abroad. Currently, 950 parents abroad have been recognized as victims. The support team now helps 678 parents from 30 different countries. The support team looks at how they can help families get their lives back on track. Then it is about customization because different things play a role in every family. For example, they help parents submit debt lists to SBN, find their way to local facilities or help find the right healthcare. Parents can also be helped to prepare their return to the Netherlands if they wish. The support team draws up an action plan together with the parents to ensure that the return to the Netherlands goes as smoothly as possible. About 75 families have now returned to the Netherlands with the help of the support team.