Repaying Social Assistance

What is it?

We may seek reimbursement from you for social assistance, for example, if you fail to fulfill your obligation to provide support. In that case, you must repay (part of) the social assistance to the municipality.

A maintenance obligation means that you are required to contribute to another person’s living expenses. This could be your child, but it could also be your (former) partner.

Obligation to provide child support until the child turns 21

You are required to contribute to your child’s living expenses. This financial obligation continues until your child turns 21. If you fail to do so and your child is consequently entitled to supplemental 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 are not contributing, or are contributing insufficiently, to their living expenses.
  • You are living apart from your spouse or registered partner, and you are not contributing, or are contributing insufficiently, to living expenses.
  • You are officially divorced, and you are paying too little in alimony—or none at all.
  • You have received a gift from someone who receives public assistance.
  • You have received an inheritance from someone who was receiving too much public assistance.
  • You have received an inheritance from someone who was receiving public assistance to which they were not entitled.
  • You have received an inheritance from someone who received public assistance as a loan.

What should I do?

Make sure you meet your financial obligations. You must provide Werkzaak Rivierenland with all the information needed to determine how much you owe. This may include:

  • a divorce decree
  • a child support order
  • a deed of gift
  • a certificate of inheritance
  • documentation 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 does it take?

The municipality can seek reimbursement from you for the social assistance provided 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 welfare assistance

You can apply for social assistance at Werkzaak Rivierenland.

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

Do you have a question for your income counselor? If so, please call him or her directly during the phone consultation hours.

How can I get help with financial problems?

Many people feel guilty or ashamed when they can’t pay their bills (on time) or are in debt. But did you know that this happens much more often than you might think? Anyone can find themselves in financial trouble. Setbacks such as unemployment, illness, or divorce can put people in a difficult situation.

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. You may be able to work out a payment plan.

For information and questions about finances and debts, you can contact VraagWijzer West Maas en Waal. For help with managing your finances, you can also contact Welfare Organization Sociom.

Did you find what you were looking for?