Early detection
What is early detection?
Are you, as a resident, failing to pay important utility bills?
In that case, your energy or water provider, health insurance company, or landlord will try to ensure that you pay the bill after all.
Are you failing to respond to payment reminders and attempts to contact you?
If so, the five major utility providers are required to report this to the municipality. This applies to rent, gas, water, electricity, and health insurance. This happens when you are more than 30 days behind on your payments.
The municipality must take action when we receive such a report. We work together with Verder(formerly PLANgroep) on this.
How does early detection work?
will alsocontact you on our behalf—for example, by phone, letter, email, or through a home visit. The purpose of this contact is to discuss with you whether you need assistance and what kind of assistance would be most appropriate. This offer is always voluntary, free of charge, and without obligation. They look forward to speaking with you. They will examine the cause of the payment arrears and work with you to find a solution.
This support is voluntary. Assistance can range from a one-time consultation to a debt counseling and/or care program. They will ensure that you receive the appropriate help as quickly as possible. The goal is to help you. If you do not wish to take advantage of this, please let us know when we contact you.
How can I get help with financial problems?
Many people feel guilty or ashamed when they’re in debt. But did you know that this is much more common than you might think? Anyone can end up in debt. Setbacks like 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 financial matters and debts, you can contact VraagWijzer West Maas en Waal:
Van Heemstraweg 50
6658 KHBeneden-Leeuwen
0487 790 790
info@vraagwijzerwmw.nl
VraagWijzer
For assistance with managing your finances, you can also contact the social services organization Sociom at .
Why early detection?
Many people with financial problems don’t reach out for help, or they wait too long to do so. There are various reasons for this, such as feeling ashamed. There’s no need to feel that way, and unfortunately, it often makes the problems worse.
National statistics show that 1 in 5 households is at risk of developing high-risk or problematic debt. By addressing the issue early on, serious problems can be prevented. This includes financial problems, of course, but also the issues that often arise from financial worries—such as stress, tension at home, and physical symptoms caused by stress.
What about my privacy?
Early detection has been mandatory for municipalities since January 1, 2021. National agreements have been reached with the relevant organizations. These have been incorporated into a contract. Partners responsible for fixed costs must also comply with these requirements.
The utility bill partners report late payments to a secure database. We receive a notification of this. This is done securely. Only necessary information is shared. Additionally, will contact you. Only these service providers will receive your personal information.
What if I don't want to participate and/or share my information?
If you do not want your information shared, please let your housing authority, energy provider, and/or health insurance company know. When early intervention assistance is offered, you can accept or decline it. Please let us know when Verder contacts you. You can also choose whether or not to give permission for your information to be used.