Objection and Appeal against Recovery of Social Assistance in Rotterdam
In Rotterdam, where the municipality takes strict action against social assistance fraud through the Rotterdam fraud approach, you can lodge an objection if you disagree with a decision to recover social assistance. This right is regulated in the General Administrative Law Act (Awb). Submit your written objection within six weeks of receipt of the decision to the Work & Income Department (DWI) of the Municipality of Rotterdam, preferably via the online portal or by post to Postbus 70012, 3000 KP Rotterdam.
The Objection Phase at the Rotterdam Municipality
The DWI Rotterdam will hear you during the objection phase and allows room for new facts, witness statements, or expert input. The municipality must decide within eight weeks, with possible extension. Upon rejection, you will receive a proposed decision with an invitation to a hearing, often held in the city hall on Coolsingel or a district office. Rotterdam applies stricter controls here under the Participation Act, but also offers extraordinary assistance for procedural costs.
Procedure at the Rotterdam District Court
After rejection of your objection, you can lodge an appeal within six weeks at the Administrative Law Chamber of the Rotterdam District Court, located at Schipperstraat 50. Legal assistance via the Rotterdam Legal Desk or subsidized lawyers is strongly recommended. The judge reviews whether the municipality acted correctly according to the Participation Act and Awb. Request the suspensive effect to suspend repayment until the judgment.
Tips for Success in Rotterdam
- Gather evidence immediately and submit via the Mijn Rotterdam portal
- Request deferment of recovery from DWI
- Consider mediation via the Rotterdam Legal Support Point
- Check the rotterdam.nl website for local forms and deadlines
With the right approach, you can successfully challenge unjustified recoveries in Rotterdam. For personal advice: call the Rotterdam Legal Desk at 0800-8020 or consult a specialist in administrative law.