Report abuse benefit

What is it?

Residents of Tytsjerksteradiel who receive benefits must abide by a number of rules. If he or she does not abide by these rules then 'benefit abuse is being committed'. If you suspect that someone close to you is receiving benefits improperly, you can report this (anonymously) to us. We will then launch an investigation to find out if there is indeed abuse.

Report abuse benefit

How does it work?

Do you suspect that someone living in the municipality of Tytsjerksteradiel is guilty of benefit abuse? If so, report this (anonymously if necessary) to the municipality. You can:

  • complete the abuse benefit reporting form online;
  • call phone number 14 0511 (no area code);
  • send a letter to:
    • Municipality of Tytsjerksteradiel, Work and Income, team income and enforcement
      PO Box 3
      9250 AA Burgum

What should I report?

When you report benefit abuse, we ask you for details about the suspected abuse. For example:

  • addresses;
  • working hours;
  • data on a car;
  • revenue;
  • Who does the defendant live with.

What happens after my report?

If you have not made the report anonymously, you will receive confirmation that the municipality has processed your report. You will not be informed about the outcome of your report.

What is benefit abuse?

Examples of benefit abuse include:

  • failure to report a change in your income or assets, for example, you are doing undeclared work or you have an expensive car;
  • do not pass on the fact that you are in prison;
  • fail to disclose that your family composition is changing or that you are married or divorced, or you are pretending to be divorced (sham divorce);
  • provide a false address.

Why is combating welfare abuse necessary?

The municipality must ensure that the money intended for welfare benefits reaches the right people. That means we do everything we can to prevent benefits from being paid to people who are not entitled to them. But sometimes that does happen. Then there is abuse and we have to do something about it.

An investigation begins with a signal that something is not right. That signal can come from our own employees, but tips and information from citizens about persons receiving benefits from the municipality also come in regularly. This information is very important to the municipality, because we cannot see everything either. Examples of tips include working illegally, trading, living at a different address or living together secretly.

How does a benefit abuse investigation work?

A benefit abuse investigation works like this:

  • The municipality collects information and invites the person receiving assistance for an interview.
  • The congregation makes home visits.
  • The social investigation department conducts an investigation. This happens if the municipality thinks you have been abusing for a long time and have received more than a certain amount.

What are the consequences for the person who abuses benefits?

If the municipality determines that benefit abuse has occurred, there are always consequences for the person who abuses benefits. The municipality can:

  • Reduce benefits (impose a measure);
  • reclaim (part of) the benefit;
  • withdraw benefits;
  • file a report with the District Attorney's Office if the abuse involves a certain amount of money. The prosecutor handles the case under criminal law and may impose community service, a fine or a prison sentence. The municipality recovers the (family) benefit.