Repaying social assistance

What is it?

We may recover social assistance from you, for example if you fail to meet your maintenance obligations. In this case, you will have to repay (part of) this assistance to the municipality.

Maintenance obligation means that you contribute to the living expenses of another person. This could be your child, but also your (former) partner.

Maintenance obligation towards children up to the age of 21

You must contribute to your child's living expenses. This financial obligation continues until your child reaches the age of 21. If you fail to do so and your child is therefore entitled to supplementary special assistance, we may require you to repay (part of) this special assistance.

How does it work?

Werkzaak Rivierenland may require you to repay social assistance in the following situations:

  • You have children under the age of 21 and you do not contribute, or contribute insufficiently, to their living expenses.
  • You live separately from your spouse/registered partner and you do not contribute, or contribute insufficiently, to the costs of living.
  • You are officially divorced and you are paying too little alimony or none at all.
  • You have received a gift from someone who receives social assistance.
  • You have received an inheritance from someone who received too much social assistance.
  • You have received an inheritance from someone who received social assistance unjustly.
  • You have received an inheritance from someone who received social assistance as a loan.

What should I do?

Ensure that you meet your financial obligations. You must provide Werkzaak Rivierenland with all the information necessary to determine how much you have to pay. This may include:

  • a divorce decree
  • a maintenance order
  • proof of donation
  • proof of inheritance
  • evidence of your ex-partner's income, assets, or debts

If you receive a notice from the municipality stating that you must repay social assistance, you must pay it. You cannot appeal this decision.

How long will it take?

The municipality can recover the social assistance from you as long as you have a maintenance obligation.
In general, this right of the municipality expires after 5 years.

Additional information

Information and advice

For information, advice, and support, please contact VraagWijzer West Maas en Waal.

Apply for assistance

You can apply for assistance at Werkzaak Rivierenland.

You can reach Werkzaak Rivierenland by calling 088 9375 000, Monday through Friday between 9:00 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. Please send mail to PO Box 321, 4190 CH Geldermalsen, or email info@werkzaakrivierenland.nl.

Do you have a question for your income advisor? Then call him or her directly during the telephone consultation hours.

How can I get help with money problems?

Many people feel guilty or ashamed when they cannot pay their bills (on time) or are in debt. But did you know that this is much more common than you might think? Anyone can find themselves in financial difficulty. Setbacks such as unemployment, illness, or divorce can cause people to get into trouble.

Are you worried about your financial situation? Having trouble paying all your bills on time? The first step is to seek help. For example, you can contact the organization that sent you the bill. Perhaps you can arrange a payment plan.

For information and questions about financial matters and debts, please contact VraagWijzer West Maas en Waal. For help with managing your finances, you can also contact the Sociom welfare organization.

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