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About the surviving relatives scheme
The loss of a loved one is a profoundly far-reaching experience. The surviving relatives scheme is in place to ensure that the deceased's benefit partner or children can move forward with the recovery process. The scheme is also there for the relatives of deceased children.
How does the scheme work?
The scheme for surviving relatives focuses on two situations:
- The childcare benefit claimant has died (a parent).
- A child of an affected parent has died.
We are aware of most of the deceased persons. That being the case, we will also contact the surviving relatives in person. On 22 April 2024, we started with the relatives of deceased children. Relatives of childcare benefit claimants will follow after the summer.
Who are the scheme beneficiaries?
There may be one or more persons who receive compensation under the scheme. We refer to them as the scheme beneficiaries. Scheme beneficiaries are placed in a certain order. The scheme beneficiaries are the family to which the deceased belonged at the time of death:
- Has an affected parent died? In that case, the benefit partner is the first scheme beneficiary. Does the parent not or no longer have a benefit partner? In that case, the children are the scheme beneficiaries.
- Has a child of an affected parent died? In that case, the deceased child's benefit partner is also the first scheme beneficiary. Did the deceased child not have a benefit partner when he or she died? In that case, the children are the scheme beneficiaries. If there are no children either, the deceased child's parents are the beneficiaries.
Relatives of a deceased claimant
The childcare benefit problems affect the whole household: not just the person applying for the benefit. If the childcare benefit claimant dies, the family will still need help. Also, there must be someone who can be paid the money to which the deceased person would otherwise have been entitled.
Sometimes, the financial recovery is not yet completed when the claimant dies. Or the person died before they could register as an affected person. Surviving relatives can still apply for this scheme.
Relatives of a deceased child
The scheme for surviving relatives is available even if a child of an affected parent has died. There is a strong feeling that these children also deserve recognition. They may also have experienced the effects of childcare benefit problems. Surviving relatives will receive a letter of acknowledgement and a sum of money, similar to the child scheme. The amount is linked to age groups, as with the child scheme. We look at the age of the child when they died. If the child died after 1 July 2023, we look at the age on 1 July 2023.
Contact person
The scheme beneficiary will have a permanent contact person. This is the person who guides you during the process. And who you can call if you have any questions. Are there several beneficiaries for this scheme? If so, you all have the same contact person. You will go through the process together.
Planning and approach
Most scheme beneficiaries are known to us. We will therefore also contact you in person. First, you will receive a card informing you that we will call you. That means you will already know that this is about the scheme for surviving relatives.
Planning schedule for relatives of deceased children
From 22 April 2024, we started calling the relatives of deceased children. We work according to an order. We start with the people who were first recognised as affected. And that, we continue until we have called everyone.
Planning schedule for relatives of deceased claimants
We do not yet know when we will contact relatives of deceased claimants. The act of parliament covering this situation is yet to be enacted. We expect to contact relatives of deceased claimants after the summer.
Contact us
Do you want to contact us because you believe you are entitled to the surviving relatives scheme? If so, that is always possible.
Frequently asked questions
What are the steps of the scheme?
If you are the scheme beneficiary, you will first receive a card informing you that we will contact you. We will then contact you to sign up for the scheme. We also explain the six-month application period and how to opt out of the scheme if necessary. Once all beneficiaries of the scheme are known or the application deadline has passed, we will tell you the amount you are entitled to. This amount will be sent to the account number known to us.
Can I opt out of the scheme?
Yes, that is possible. Get in touch with your contact or give us a call.
In which cases do I have to register myself?
You can now only register as a surviving relative of a deceased child. We do not have a clear image of children without a BSN (citizen service number), foster children and/or deceased children abroad. Therefore, we may not be able to contact you. Do you feel you are a beneficiary of the surviving relatives scheme? If so, contact us yourself.
Do you believe you are a scheme beneficiary because you are a surviving relative of a deceased claimant? In that case, wait until the scheme has also started for this group.
Do I need a death certificate?
No, a death certificate is not required unless we cannot see that a family member has died. In that case, your contact will discuss this with you and look at what is needed together.
As with the other schemes, can I be given an interview with Staatssecretaris Aukje de Vries?
Yes, applications can be made through the Service Team.
Can there be an entitlement to other recovery schemes besides the surviving relatives scheme?
Yes, that is possible. Parents of a deceased child may themselves be affected and entitled to recovery arrangements. They will also be entitled to the surviving relatives scheme.
Will I be assigned a permanent contact for the surviving relatives scheme?
Yes, you will have a regular contact person. Are several people within your family known to us? If so, you all have the same contact person.
Can I change contacts if there is no click or a disagreement?
Yes, that is possible. Please contact us for that purpose.
Does the money I receive affect the amount of my current and future benefits?
No. These amounts are exempt for 10 years from the test that determines the amount of your benefit. This can also be found on UHT's website: the impact of compensation on income, allowances or benefits.
Does the money count towards my welfare or other benefits?
The amount does not affect the amount of the welfare benefit. Not does it affect the amount of certain other benefits. They include the WW, WIA, WAO en Ziektewet.
This may however affect the amount of special assistance. Each municipality may decide how they calculate the available resources for this purpose. It is therefore worth discussing this with your municipality.
This can also be found on UHT's website: the impact of compensation on income, allowances or benefits.
Do I have to pay tax on the amount I receive?
You do not pay income tax in Box 1 on the amount received. The money you receive is not regarded as income by the Belastingdienst.
Please note: Do you live abroad? If so, different rules may apply.
Will the amount to be paid out for the surviving relatives scheme be offset against any outstanding debts with Toeslagen and or Belastingdienst?
No, surviving relatives receive the amount in their account without it being set off against outstanding claims.
I want to change my details; how can I change my application?
Get in touch with your regular contact.
Why have I been turned down for the scheme?
You have received a decision stating that you have been turned down for the scheme. We have conducted an investigation, and you do not meet the requirements necessary for the scheme. There could be various reasons for this. These reasons are explained in the letter you received. Do you have any questions about this rejection? If so, get in touch with your contact person. Together, you will read the letter in your own time and can ask any questions you may have.