The government is obliged to take a decision on your application within a fixed period. If this does not happen, there are steps you can take. Discover which deadlines apply and what to do in case of exceedance in Zoetermeer.
Statutory Deadlines for Decisions
According to the General Administrative Law Act (Awb), the following decision deadlines apply:
| Situation | Deadline |
|---|---|
| Standard (no specific rule) | 8 weeks after receipt of the application |
| Specific legislation | Deadline according to that legislation |
| Policy rule applicable | Deadline from the policy rule |
Suspension of the Decision Deadline
The deadline may be temporarily suspended in the following cases:
- If your application is not complete (time to supplement)
- If you yourself request an extension
- If the administrative authority needs data from abroad
- If you agree to an extension
Extension of the Deadline
The administrative authority may extend the decision deadline by a maximum of 8 weeks. This must be notified in writing before the original deadline expires.
What to Do in Case of a Late Decision: Default Notice
If the government does not decide on time, you can submit a default notice:
- Send a written notice in which you declare the government in default
- The government then has another 2 weeks to take a decision
- If there is still no decision, a penalty payment may be imposed
- You can also lodge an appeal directly due to the failure to take a decision
Penalty Payment for Delay in Decision-Making
After a default notice and the expiry of the additional 2 weeks:
- € 23 per day for the first 14 days
- € 35 per day for the subsequent 14 days
- € 45 per day for all following days
- Maximum amount: € 1.442
Frequently Asked Questions about Decision Deadlines
From when does the decision deadline count?
The deadline starts the day after receipt of your complete application by the administrative authority.
Can I claim a penalty payment and lodge an appeal?
Yes, both options are possible. A penalty payment serves as an incentive, while an appeal can lead to a judicial decision.
Does the penalty payment apply to every type of decision?
No, there are exceptions, such as in asylum procedures and certain other cases.
Contact and Support in Zoetermeer
For legal assistance, you can go to the Juridisch Loket Zoetermeer. For cases that go to court, Zoetermeer falls under the Rechtbank Den Haag.