If you have received social assistance unduly in Zoetermeer, the municipality can recover this amount, even if you are not at fault. Discover in which situations this can happen and what rights you have.
When Can the Municipality Recover?
In various cases, the municipality of Zoetermeer may decide to recover social assistance:
- Failure to comply with the duty to provide information: you have not reported all relevant data
- Fraud: you have deliberately provided incorrect information
- Later discovery of income: it later appeared that you had additional income
- Erroneous payment: the municipality made a mistake
- Excessive advance payment: you received an advance that exceeded your entitlement
Amount of Recovery
| Circumstance | To Be Repaid | Fine |
|---|---|---|
| Error by municipality | 100% of the overpaid amount | Not applicable |
| Failure to report change | 100% of the overpaid amount | Possible |
| Deliberate fraud | 100% of the overpaid amount | Maximum 100% additional |
Fines in Case of Fraud
If you fail to comply with the duty to provide information, the municipality of Zoetermeer may impose a sanction:
- Standard fine: 50% of the amount causing detriment
- In case of serious negligence: 75% of the amount causing detriment
- In case of intent: 100% of the amount causing detriment
- Minimum fine: € 150
Repayment Arrangement
The municipality must take your financial situation into account when determining repayment:
- With social assistance: maximum 5% deduction per month
- In case of fraud: maximum 10% deduction per month
- The garnishment-free foot is always safeguarded
Filing an Objection
You can file an objection against a recovery decision within 6 weeks. Take into account:
- Check the correctness of the calculation
- Verify whether you have reported all data correctly
- Request a payment arrangement in case of payment problems
Frequently Asked Questions
Am I obliged to repay in case of an error by the municipality?
Yes, in principle you must repay, even in case of a municipal error. However, you can apply for remission if you acted in good faith and could not have noticed the error.
What is the time limit for recovery by the municipality?
The limitation period is 5 years. After this period, the municipality can no longer make a claim.
Is a payment arrangement possible?
Yes, the municipality must respect your ability to pay. In case of payment problems, you can request an arrangement.
Extra Questions about Recovery in Zoetermeer
What to do in case of a recovery decision?
Check the calculation and whether you have correctly reported changes. File an objection within 6 weeks if you disagree. Immediately request a payment arrangement in case of financial problems. Keep all documents and seek help from the Juridisch Loket Zoetermeer if necessary.
Can the municipality deduct my entire social assistance?
No, the deduction is limited to 5% per month (10% in case of fraud). The garnishment-free foot must always be respected, so that you have sufficient left for living expenses. Request a suitable arrangement if the deduction is too burdensome.
How do I prove that I am not at fault?
Gather evidence such as emails, letters or digital notifications showing that you have correctly reported everything. A proper administration helps in an objection procedure to demonstrate your good faith.
What if I cannot pay?
The municipality must take your ability to pay into account. Request a payment arrangement or, in extreme cases, remission if you acted in good faith and the error was unavoidable.
Objection against a fine?
Yes, you can file an objection against an imposed fine within 6 weeks. Contact the Juridisch Loket Zoetermeer for support.
Relevant Authorities: District Court of The Hague (district), Juridisch Loket Zoetermeer