Thousands of volunteers are ready to assist victims of the childcare benefits scandal in the Netherlands, but their efforts are hampered by new government conditions and ongoing disputes. The Gelijkwaardig Herstel (Equal Recovery) foundation, established by Princess Laurentien, faces challenges as many affected parents are hesitant to register.

The primary reason for this hesitation, according to the foundation’s spokesperson, Frederike van Urk, is the government’s continuous alteration of the rules during the compensation process. This has created uncertainty and distrust among the victims.

In the summer of 2024, the government introduced a new condition stating that only victims from whom the Tax Authorities had unjustly reclaimed more than 30,000 euros could register with the foundation. This limits the foundation’s services to approximately 15,000 of the over 42,000 victims. Those with less damage, who had already registered, now face the possibility of not receiving compensation.

The Ministry of Finance claims to have made agreements regarding lower compensation amounts for this group, a claim the foundation denies. The ministry is also developing an alternative route for additional compensation, but the conditions remain unknown, further contributing to the victims’ hesitation.

Victims like Patricia Bleeker, who had 25,000 euros unjustly reclaimed from her, feel powerless due to the changing rules. She registered before the 30,000 euro limit was set but has now been informed that she will not receive compensation for the time being.

The foundation has faced constant friction with the Ministry of Finance since its inception in September 2023. Issues have included disagreements over compensation amounts and evidence requirements. This led to a temporary suspension of the foundation’s work and Princess Laurentien stepping down as chair in August 2024.

Despite these challenges, many parents prefer the foundation’s method of calculating additional damage, and the Van Dam Committee advised making it the main route for handling these claims. The ministry’s decision to develop another damage route, with compensation amounts per damage item similar to the foundation’s, has further complicated matters.

The Ministry promises more clarity on the alternative route before the summer, urging victims not to postpone their decisions.

Dissatisfaction has also arisen regarding Princess Laurentien’s continued influence within the foundation. A legal analysis commissioned by the government suggests she still holds too much power. A study initiated by Gelijkwaardig Herstel contradicts this analysis. A mediation attempt by former minister Winnie Sorgdrager failed due to her previous rulings against the childcare benefits parents.

The foundation expresses growing despair over what they perceive as continuous obstruction by the ministry. Volunteers are becoming impatient, and victims are becoming increasingly disappointed, with some, like Patricia Bleeker, feeling a sense of “breach of contract.”