Difference between complaint and objection in Den Haag
In Den Haag, at agencies such as the UWV, SVB or the Municipality of Den Haag, you can file a complaint about the service provided or lodge an objection against a decision on your benefit, such as social assistance or unemployment benefits. This distinction is essential for residents of Den Haag: a complaint concerns the handling, while an objection addresses the content of the decision. Choosing the wrong option causes delays. This article explains the difference between complaint and objection with examples from Den Haag and tips, including assistance from the Juridisch Loket Den Haag.
What is a complaint in Den Haag?
A complaint relates to the service provided by government bodies such as the UWV, SVB or Municipality of Den Haag. Examples include slow processing, poor communication or rude staff. The aim: to improve service, not to change decisions. Complaints are handled via a complaints desk and often result in apologies or minor goodwill gestures, rarely in compensation.
Examples from social security in Den Haag:
- You call the UWV in Den Haag but stay on hold for hours without information.
- A Municipality of Den Haag employee is curt during a social assistance appointment at City Hall.
- The SVB sends an incorrect letter about survivors' benefits, causing confusion for bereaved residents of Den Haag.
What is an objection in Den Haag?
An objection is a formal review procedure against a substantive decision, such as the rejection or reduction of social assistance by the Municipality of Den Haag. Based on the General Administrative Law Act (Awb), it can lead to revisions with retroactive effect and payments.
Examples:
- UWV rejects unemployment benefits; file an objection because you are available for work as a resident of Den Haag.
- Municipality of Den Haag reduces social assistance; lodge an objection with proof of income in the Zuiderparkbuurt.
- SVB rejects child benefits; file an objection with proof of care for your child in Den Haag.
Key differences at a glance
The difference between complaint and objection for Den Haag in a table:
| Aspect | Complaint | Objection |
|---|---|---|
| Purpose | Improve service | Revise decision |
| Subject | How (conduct, processing) | What (decision content) |
| Timeframe | Often 6-13 weeks | 6 weeks after decision |
| Outcome | Apologies/improvement | New decision, possible appeal to District Court of Den Haag |
| Submitted to | Complaints desk UWV/SVB/Municipality of Den Haag | Same agency (UWV/SVB/Municipality of Den Haag) |
| Costs | Free | Free, court fee at District Court of Den Haag |
Legal basis for residents of Den Haag
The rules are set out in the General Administrative Law Act (Awb):
- Complaints: Awb Section 9.2 (art. 9:1-9:16). Agencies like the Municipality of Den Haag have their own regulations; UWV: Complaints Procedure 2020; SVB: own procedure.
- Objections: Awb Sections 6.1 (art. 6:1 et seq.) and 7:1 et seq. For social assistance: Participation Act via Municipality of Den Haag.
Filing a complaint and objection on the same matter simultaneously is not allowed (Awb art. 9:6); choose carefully.
Practical examples from Den Haag
Example 1: Complaint to UWV
Mei de Vries from the Binckhorst calls the UWV about sickness benefits, waits 45 minutes and gets a busy signal. Complaint via online desk: apologies and promise of better hold information within 4 weeks.
Example 2: Objection to Municipality of Den Haag
Ahmed Jansen from Transvaal has his social assistance reduced due to alleged undeclared work. Objection within 6 weeks with payslips: positive decision with back payment after 13 weeks.
Example 3: Wrong route
Sara de Boer complains about a WIA rejection; desk refers to objection, causing time loss. Tip: always check the type!
Rights and obligations in Den Haag
Rights:
- Complaint: response within 12 weeks (Awb 9:10).
- Objection: hearing, decision 6-13 weeks (Awb 7:10), penalty payment for delays.
- Free advice: Juridisch Loket Den Haag or specialised lawyers.
- Anonymous complaint possible, not for objections.
Obligations:
- Objection within 6 weeks (Awb 6:7); strict deadline!
- Provide good motivation.
- Complaint: describe concretely.
Frequently asked questions Den Haag
Can an objection become a complaint?
No. New objection or extension of deadline (Awb 6:9) with reason such as illness.
Objection too late?
Request extension of deadline with proof; do so immediately via Municipality of Den Haag.
Does a complaint help with an objection?
Indirectly; document for substantive arguments.
Complaints to SVB?
SVB complaints desk: online/post, response within 6 weeks.
Tips for Den Haag
- Check decision letter for 'objection' or 'complaint'.
- Use portals: UWV online, Municipality of Den Haag web form for social assistance.
- Keep proof: letters, emails, screenshots of Den Haag appointment confirmations.
- Consult Juridisch Loket Den Haag if in doubt: free initial advice.
- For appeal: District Court of Den Haag.