Zoetermeer pilots debt relief program to help young adults regain financial control
Young adults in Zoetermeer struggling with debt can now access intensive support through a new pilot program. The initiative offers debt restructuring, repayment options, and guidance to help them achieve a debt-free future and improve their daily lives.
| Key Data Point | Details |
|---|---|
| Program Name | Pilot for intensive support for young people with problematic debts |
| Target Group | Young people aged 18 to 27 in Zoetermeer |
| Start Date | First participants before summer 2026 |
| Support Offered | Debt restructuring loan, repayment options, intensive guidance |
| Partners | Municipality of Zoetermeer, Stichting Jongeren Perspectieffonds (JPF) |
| Contact for Young People | Team Schuldhulpverlening via shv@zoetermeer.nl |
The municipality of Zoetermeer is responsible for implementing local policies that ensure financial security and social participation for its residents. This pilot is part of their broader efforts to address debt-related challenges and improve the well-being of young adults in the city.
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Zoetermeer launches pilot for intensive support for young people with problematic debts
On Thursday, March 12, 2026, alderman Bouke Velzen signed the cooperation agreement on behalf of the college together with Marije van Kranenburg, director of Stichting Jongeren Perspectieffonds (JPF), for the pilot to support young people with debts. JPF helps municipalities in the Netherlands support young people aged 18 to 27 with debts, so they can work towards a stable and debt-free future. Zoetermeer will start with the first young people before the summer.
The pilot is part of the Programma Sociale Innovatie, which aims for existence security, equal opportunities, and a healthy life in Zoetermeer.
Opportunity for a debt-free future for young people in Zoetermeer
Many young people in Zoetermeer struggle with financial problems and get stuck in several areas of life, such as work, study, housing, or mental health.
The JPF approach offers a powerful combination of:
- Debt restructuring through a restructuring loan,
- Repayment in money or through a social counter-performance,
- Intensive and broad guidance throughout the entire process.
This way, young people not only get peace of mind and overview but also a perspective on a structurally debt-free future.
Alderman Bouke Velzen (existence security): "We see that young people today are overwhelmed with temptations to spend money, such as paying later or taking out loans with one click. Before you know it, the bills pile up and stress, shame, and the feeling that you've lost control arise. No one deserves that, and certainly not our young people. With the support of JPF, young people can participate again, there is less need for heavy care, and the approach fits well with our other initiatives around debts and prevention. Not only important for the young people themselves but it also makes our city stronger."
Marije van Kranenburg (director Stichting Jongeren Perspectief Fonds) adds: "By not focusing on the guilt but on the perspective, the municipality of Zoetermeer breaks the cycle of debts and other problems these young people are stuck in. With the JPF approach, these young people not only become sustainably debt-free but also fully participate in society again. And we all benefit from that. We look forward to this collaboration; together we ensure a better perspective for young people in Zoetermeer."
Professional approach: access to knowledge, training, and effect monitoring
Thanks to the cooperation, Zoetermeer gains access to the complete JPF Toolkit, training programs, knowledge sessions, and a digital community. Additionally, participation in the JPF Effectmonitor is arranged, which systematically tracks the results of the approach. This helps professionals in the city to better support young people and to learn from proven effective working methods.
More information
Young people who are concerned about debts, other problems, and registration possibilities can contact Team Schuldhulpverlening via shv@zoetermeer.nl.