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 pay something back. As a result, people may end up below the social minimum, increasing the risk of financial worries, poverty, and debt. Through the Proactive Service bill, Minister Van Hijum wants to enable implementing organizations UWV, SVB, and municipalities to actively inform people about their rights and financial support. They can also be pointed towards assistance in finding a job or solving problematic debts.
Minister Van Hijum: “Too often, people experience the government with all its 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 is a great responsibility for the government in this. We need to 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 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 if they are entitled to something. Implementing organizations cannot actively inform them about this. To increase income security and reduce poverty, Minister Van Hijum wants to change that. He is working with municipalities that are already ahead of the law and are trying to actively inform people about specific schemes. This includes, for example, the social assistance benefit, the Allowances Act, and the AIO (supplementary income provision for the elderly). By anchoring this in law, it will soon be much easier and more people can be helped. UWV, SVB, and municipalities can inform people and then also 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 due to privacy rules. The bill will soon make this possible. The minister emphasizes that the rules for exchanging personal data in this law are very well defined. It will only be used to inform people of their entitlements and not for enforcement.