If you have received social assistance unduly in Utrecht, the municipality can recover this amount. This can even happen without you having made a mistake. Discover in which cases recovery takes place and what your options are.
When can the municipality recover?
The Municipality of Utrecht can recover social assistance under various circumstances:
- Failure to comply with the duty to provide information: you have not reported all relevant data
- Intentional deception: you have deliberately provided incorrect information
- Later discovery of income: it later turned out you had additional income
- Erroneous payment: the municipality made a mistake
- Excessive advance payment: you received an advance that was higher than your entitlement
How much do you have to repay?
| Circumstance | To be repaid | Fine |
|---|---|---|
| Error by municipality | 100% of the overpaid amount | None |
| Failure to report change | 100% of the overpaid amount | Sometimes |
| Intentional deception | 100% of the overpaid amount | Maximum 100% extra |
Fines for violations
If you fail to comply with the duty to provide information in Utrecht, a fine may follow:
- Standard fine: 50% of the disadvantage amount
- In case of serious negligence: 75% of the disadvantage amount
- In case of intent: 100% of the disadvantage amount
- Minimum fine: € 150
Repayment arrangements
The Municipality of Utrecht must take your financial situation into account:
- With social assistance: maximum 5% deduction per month
- In case of fraud: maximum 10% deduction per month
- The garnishment-free foot is always respected
Filing an objection
You have 6 weeks to object to a recovery decision in Utrecht:
- Check if the calculated amount is correct
- Check if you have reported all changes
- Request a payment arrangement if you cannot pay immediately
Frequently asked questions about recovery in Utrecht
Am I obliged to repay in case of an error by the municipality?
Yes, in principle you must also repay in case of a municipal error. However, you can request remission if you are not at fault and could not have noticed the error.
What is the limitation period for recovery?
The municipality can recover an amount up to 5 years after the payment. After that, this possibility lapses.
Is a payment arrangement possible?
Yes, the Municipality of Utrecht must respect your ability to pay. If you cannot pay in one go, you can request an arrangement.
Contact and Legal Assistance in Utrecht
For legal support, you can go to:
- District Court Midden-Nederland: Vrouwe Justitiaplein 1, Utrecht
- Juridisch Loket Utrecht: Catharijnesingel 55, Utrecht