In the Netherlands we have excellent social facilities for people who are not well off financially. Examples of this are benefits and allowances. Unfortunately, many people abuse it. This is essentially theft of taxpayers’ money. This article contains information about how you can report fraud to the authorities.
Contents
- What benefits and allowances are there?
- Fraud and abuse of the social safety net
- Fraud by companies
- Where can you report benefit fraud?
- Where can you report benefit fraud?
- Is your report anonymous?
- What is done with the report?
What benefits and allowances are there?
There are various benefits and allowances in the Netherlands. These are also called social safety nets. Money collected as tax money is used, among other things, to help people in trouble. It is a good thing that this social safety net is there. For example, those who can no longer work or who lose their job do not have to leave their home immediately. Examples of benefits and allowances are:
- Unemployment benefit (WW benefit)
- Social assistance benefit
- Disability benefit
- Rent allowance
- Healthcare allowance
- Childcare allowance
- Child-related budget
Fraud and abuse of the social safety net
Unfortunately, the benefits and allowances are not only used for what they are needed. Some people use it unfairly (or abuse it). Everyone knows examples or stories of people who receive disability benefits but do odd jobs on the side. Or people who earn money while receiving housing allowance and healthcare allowance. People often do not dare to raise the alarm with the authorities about this, because they do not want to be a traitor. But are you a traitor? Fraud is a punishable offense and is considered a form of theft. In this case, the money being stolen is from the taxpayer. In fact, money is being stolen from yourself. It is therefore absolutely not strange to report fraud. It is of course necessary that you are reasonably convinced of the fraud.
Fraud by companies
Not only private individuals commit fraud, but companies also sometimes do this. For example, various subsidies have been created to support companies. Companies sometimes wrongly claim these subsidies.
Where can you report benefit fraud?
If you think that a person or company is committing fraud with benefits or subsidies, you can report this to the UWV. The UWV is the abbreviation for the Employee Insurance Agency. This body regulates benefits, etc. You can report fraud online via the UWV website. This report will then be handled at the Central Fraud Reporting Point. It is also possible to send a letter. When you send a letter, you must in any case state the name, address and other details of the person or company involved as completely as possible. It is also good to briefly explain why you think this person or company is committing fraud. The letter can be sent to:
Central Fraud Reporting Point UWV
Answer number 130972501 VC The Hague
It is also possible to report by telephone. The telephone number is 0900-9294 (local rate).
Where can you report benefit fraud?
Reports of fraud regarding rent allowance, healthcare allowance, childcare allowance or child-related budget can be reported in writing via:
Tax Authorities Benefits
Department MenO Team 9th floorPostbus 20923500 GB Utrecht
You can also send the report by email. You can send your email to [email protected].
It is also possible to report by telephone. The telephone number is 0800-2358353. This number is available from Monday to Thursday from 8:00 AM to 8:00 PM and on Friday from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM.
Is your report anonymous?
Your report will be treated completely anonymously. The possible fraudster will therefore not find out that you have made the report.
What is done with the report?
All reports made are taken into consideration. Due to a confidentiality obligation, you will not be personally informed of the handling. You will therefore not be told personally if someone’s benefit or allowance has been stopped.
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