Objection and Appeal against Recovery of Social Assistance in Utrecht
In Utrecht, if you disagree with a decision to recover social assistance by the Municipality of Utrecht due to alleged fraud or overpayment, you can file an objection. This right is regulated in the General Administrative Law Act (Awb). You must file a written objection with the municipality within six weeks after the date of dispatch of the decision, via the Work and Income Counter at Kanaalstraat 144 or digitally via the Utrecht online portal.
The Objection Phase at the Municipality of Utrecht
In the objection phase, the team of the Municipality of Utrecht handles your objection. They organize a hearing, often in the town hall or virtually, where you can present new facts, call witnesses, or engage a social welfare counselor. The municipality must decide within eight weeks, with possible extension to 18 weeks. Upon rejection, you receive a notice of intended decision with an invitation for a hearing by an independent hearing committee.
Procedure at the District Court of Midden-Nederland in Utrecht
After rejection of your objection, you can lodge an appeal within six weeks with the administrative judge of the District Court of Midden-Nederland, Administrative Law Division, at Catharijne Singel 8 in Utrecht. Legal assistance via the Juridisch Loket Utrecht or subsidized lawyers is strongly recommended. The judge verifies whether the municipality acted correctly according to the Participation Act and local Utrecht regulations. Request a preliminary relief measure to suspend the recovery until the judgment.
Tips for Success in Utrecht
- Gather evidence immediately and submit via MijnUtrecht
- Request deferral of payment from the Work and Income Service
- Consult the free Legal Advice Hour at the Balie Utrecht or Wmo counter
By acting timely within the Utrecht procedures, you can prevent or reduce unjust claims. Seek personal advice from a local lawyer or the Juridisch Loket.