Tackle debts immediately: ‘Keeping blinders on and not opening mail is not a good idea’ | Money month

It is important to seek help as soon as possible. “People wait too long for that,” says Ariane Kleijwegt, spokesperson at the government agency Wijzer in Geldzaken. “Then the debts are often already high, to an average of about 40,000 euros after five years, and it is much more difficult to solve the problems.”

With unpaid bills you can quickly have to deal with extra costs. “It’s spot on spot,” says Karin Radstaak of Nibud. ,, There may be collection costs that you have to pay, administration costs, fines and interest. That causes a lot of stress and a vicious circle downwards.”

Antoinette van der Veer works at Geldfit, an organization that refers people with money problems to suitable help. She speaks to many people who have always managed to make ends meet and have no debts. ,,A group that insidiously gets into trouble because of small things. The energy bill is a clear cost item, but everything has also become more expensive unnoticed and suddenly the money is gone.

The best thing to do if you can’t pay a bill is to get right on it. “If you are not used to having money problems, you live differently from people who are used to it,” says Van der Veer. “We can often help that group with an overview of income and expenditure and then advice on living differently and saving.”

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In addition, people can try to increase the income side. “Not everyone who is entitled to allowances and reimbursements knows that and uses it,” says Kleijwegt. ,, You can use the allowance guide (datgeldtvoormij.nl, ed.) see if you are entitled to anything. Municipalities also have many schemes for people with a low income. For minimum wages, there is an energy surcharge, also through the municipality. In addition, you can see if you can work more to increase your income.

“If you get into trouble, at least pay your rent, energy bill, health insurance and tax,” Van der Veer sums up. “That is not fun, but it is necessary to be part of our society. If you fall behind on your rent or mortgage, you run the risk of being evicted from your home. And you don’t want to be cut off from gas and light either. If it is not possible to pay for a month, call the institution to make arrangements. All companies want to help, because no one is waiting for a debt problem.”

Radstaak also recommends making direct agreements with authorities. “Unfortunately, the problems have not been solved immediately. You can make a payment arrangement, but the debts remain until they are paid off. We have the site for starting debts self-debt regulations.nl with information on how to get started and make a repayment plan. You will also find sample letters to make good agreements with your creditors.

If the debts have already risen higher and you are dealing with creditors, collection agencies or bailiffs, it is wise to contact your municipality. You can also go for (free) help in almost all municipalities. There are walk-in consultation hours and volunteers who can help with making an overview and writing letters. They can also check whether you are eligible for allowances and allowances. They can help you with various organizations (food bank, clothing bank), special assistance and extra jars as compensation. Sometimes the municipality appoints an administrator who ensures that the most important debts are paid.

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If your debts are very high, a bailiff can seize part of your income. Your employer must cooperate in this. On the website Debt Guide.nl After logging in with your DigiD, you can get an overview of the attachments on your income.

You are always entitled to a seizure-free foot, to be able to live on. On www.uwslagvrijvoet.nl you can check whether your details have been entered correctly and whether the foot is high enough. If this is not the case, you can file an objection with the judgment creditor. This must be done within four weeks. If you cannot reach an agreement, you can go to the Legal Desk, which offers free help with legal questions.

If it is not possible to get out of debt, the last solution is debt restructuring. The court must give permission for this. He looks at what has happened so far and why previous actions have not helped (sufficiently). With debt restructuring, you pay off as much as possible for three years and you receive a small amount to live on. After those three years you are completely debt free and you can start with a clean slate.

“A lot of people are currently struggling to make ends meet,” says Kleijwegt. “So it’s not crazy to talk about it and seek help. The taboo really needs to come off.”

Radstaak agrees. “People who have had to live on a low income for a longer period of time know where debt problems can arise. But now a new group of people has come into trouble and they have no experience with it yet. Where can you go? What can you do? For those people it is difficult to seek help, but it is wise. Keeping blinders on and not opening your mail is not a good idea. It’s not going to just go away.”

This story appeared on this site last year and has been updated to reflect current events.

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