Too many people do not know that they are entitled to a benefit or provision due to their income or are afraid to apply for it out of fear that they will have to repay something. As a result, people may end up below the social minimum, and the risk of financial worries, poverty, and debt increases. Through the bill for Proactive Service, Minister Van Hijum wants to enable implementing organizations such as UWV, SVB, and municipalities to actively inform people about their rights and financial support. They can also be directed to assistance in finding a job or resolving problematic debts.
Minister Van Hijum: “Too often, people experience the government with all the different regulations and allowances as a maze in which they completely lose their way. I want to ensure that people know how to find available help. There lies a great responsibility for the government. We must actively reach out to people to inform them about financial support. This way, we also get a better picture of what people are dealing with, and we can, for example, help solve debts or guide someone back to work. This not only increases income security but also trust in the government.”
Currently, people must know whether they are entitled to something. Implementing organizations are not allowed to actively inform them about this. To increase income security and reduce poverty, Minister Van Hijum wants to change this. He is collaborating with municipalities that are already ahead of the law and are actively trying to inform people about certain regulations. This includes the social assistance benefit, the Allowances Act, and the AIO (supplementary income provision for the elderly). By anchoring this in law, it will soon become much easier, and more people can be helped. UWV, SVB, and municipalities can inform people and then assist them with the application process.
Currently, implementing organizations cannot see whether people are entitled to a benefit or social provision due to their income or financial situation because of privacy rules. The bill will soon make this possible. The minister emphasizes that the rules for exchanging personal data in this law are well-defined. It will only be used to inform people about their entitlements, and not for enforcement purposes.