Am I a victim of the childcare benefits scandal?

The short answer

First check the website hersteltoeslagen.nl where you can log in with your DigiD to see if your file is being investigated. You can also call the Benefits Recovery Service Point on 0800-1722 (free). If you had problems with childcare benefits (kinderopvangtoeslag) or other benefits between 2013 and 2019 in the Netherlands, you may be a victim. Even if your benefits were stopped due to 'fraud suspicion' whilst you did nothing wrong, you could be a victim under Dutch law.

What does Dutch law say?

The Benefits System Recovery and Strengthening Act (Wet herstel en versterking toeslagenstelsel) regulates compensation for victims of the childcare benefits scandal. This Dutch law provides entitlement to recovery payments and additional support for affected families. The Dutch government officially acknowledges that thousands of families were wrongfully targeted by the Tax Authority between 2013 and 2019.

What should you pay attention to?

Ensure you keep all relevant documents such as letters from the Dutch Tax Authority, bank statements and correspondence about benefits. Also check if you might be an indirect victim, for example as a partner of a main applicant. Make sure your contact details are up-to-date with the Tax Authority so you can be reached.

Example from practice

The Jansen family received a letter in 2017 stating their childcare benefits would be stopped due to 'fraud suspicion'. They had to repay €15,000 despite having carefully kept all receipts. After years of procedures, it turned out the Dutch Tax Authority had acted wrongfully. Via hersteltoeslagen.nl they discovered their file is being investigated and they qualify for compensation of €30,000 plus interest and additional support.

What can you do?

Start by checking your status via the official channels and gather all relevant documents.