This is stated in the draft decision for proactive service provision by the Ministry of Social Affairs and Employment, which Minister Eddy van Hijum has published online today. People can respond substantively until May 14, 2025.
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 fall below the social minimum, and the risk of financial worries, poverty, and debts increases. Through proactive service provision, Minister Van Hijum aims to enable UWV, SVB, and municipalities to actively inform people about their rights and financial support. They can also be informed about assistance in finding a job or resolving problematic debts.
Currently, people must know if they have any rights. Public service providers do not yet have the task of actively informing them about this. To increase income security and reduce poverty, Minister Van Hijum wants to change that. This includes benefits such as the social assistance benefit, the Allowances Act, and the AIO (supplementary income provision for the elderly). New regulations will make this much easier in the future, allowing more people to be helped. UWV, SVB, and municipalities can inform people and then also assist them with the application process.
Privacy
Currently, public service providers are not allowed to process personal data of individuals to see if their income or financial situation entitles them to a benefit or social provision. However, this should become possible in the future. The minister emphasizes that the rules for exchanging personal data are very well defined. It will only be used to inform people about what they are entitled to, and not for enforcement.
Would you like to respond?
You can respond until May 14, 2025, via internetconsultatie.nl.