News item | 07-07-2025 | 17:00
Minister Eddy van Hijum (Social Affairs and Employment) wants to ensure a more human government with the Enforcement Social Security Bill. The proposal regulates that people are no longer immediately punished when making a mistake when it comes to social regulations. Implementers are also given the space to refrain from a sanction or fine, if someone gets more in trouble. The bill, which goes to the Lower House today, received a very positive advice from the Council of State.
Van Hijum: “I want a government that will stand next to people. It has an eye for what is going on in someone’s life and understanding a mistake. During the allowance affair we have seen what happens if we only see people who are dependent on the government as a file. Or as a potential fraud. You get trust as a government if you are also prepared to trust and this government proposal.”
To suggest
Minister Van Hijum makes various proposals that give more room for customization from implementers (such as UWV, SVB and municipalities) and who are based on trust in people. For example the right to mistake: a mistake may no longer ensure that a punishment automatically follows. Implementing organizations may also refrain from a sanction and take into account a person’s personal situation, if it appears that someone will only get more in trouble due to a punishment. They will focus on preventing violations or mistakes and working more with warnings instead of punishing immediately.
The fines are also becoming more realistic. These are currently too high, which means that people get into financial trouble faster. In addition, the fines are often not collected because people cannot pay them.
Furthermore, the so -called review period of recovery is shortened. It can currently look back up to 20 years whether someone has received the correct benefit. If it appears that someone wrongly received a benefit or a too high payment amount, a recovery can increase enormously. The review period will be 5 years, which is in line with tax legislation. It is clearer for implementers and gives people more perspective.
Council of State
The Council of State was very positive about the bill. In her response she wrote that the proposals are an example of a good balance between making clear rules and space for implementation. The bill includes various recommendations of the Parliamentary Inquiry Committee for Fraud Policy and Services (PEFD).
If the Second and First Chamber agrees with the bill, it will enter into force on January 1, 2027.