Lodging an objection
A letter of objection is a form or letter indicating why you disagree with a decision taken by DUO. For example, if your application is rejected.
Contact us first
Please contact us before lodging an objection. We may be able to resolve your problem right away.
What to do
You can use one of our standard letters of objection (available in Dutch only) or write one yourself.
-
Bezwaarschrift algemeenpdf, 90kb
-
Bezwaarschrift ov-boetepdf, 70kb
Writing a letter of objection yourself
- Your letter of objection must at least contain the following:
- the date
- your name, address and email address
- your citizen service number (BSN)
- the decision against which you are lodging your objection
- your signature
- the reasons for your objection
- If possible, enclose a copy of the decision against which you are lodging the objection. Or state the date and reference number of the decision. If you have supporting documents, enclose them too.
- Write ‘Letter of objection’ on the letter and on the envelope. Send the letter of objection to:
Dienst Uitvoering Onderwijs
Afdeling Bezwaar en Beroep
Postbus 50081
9702 EA Groningen
If the letter of objection is not written in Dutch, the official processing the objection may ask for a translation.
You cannot submit your letter of objection online or by email.
Tips for a quicker solution
Repaying a debt
- Does DUO not take your income into account yet? Then your monthly instalment may be reduced.
- Did your income fallen with 15% or more, then we may look at a more recent year.
- It may help to temporarily stop paying off your student loan with a payment free period.
Student
- Check the possibilities in case of a delay in your studies.
Late objections
You have 6 weeks from the date on the letter or decision in question to lodge your objection. After that, you are too late.
If you submit your letter of objection after this period but have a valid reason for the delay, state this in your letter of objection. We will then assess whether your letter of objection can be handled after all. It's best to contact us in this case.
What happens next?
- The processing official may contact you. If this does not lead to a solution, the official can make an appointment for a hearing with you. This gives you the opportunity to explain why you do not agree with the decision.
- DUO has 6 weeks after the objection period to make a decision. This decision term can be extended once by 6 weeks. It can be extended further if we have to wait for the reasons for your objection.
- Do you disagree with the decision on your letter of objection? Then you may lodge an appeal.
Authorizing somebody else
Somebody else can lodge an objection on your behalf but only if authorized by you to do so. Your authorized representative must enclose the authorization form with the letter of objection. It is not necessary to authorize lawyers, legal expenses insurers, administrators appointed by the court (‘bewindvoerders’) or curators for this purpose.
If you have already authorized somebody to arrange matters with DUO for you, you do not have to authorize this person again to lodge an objection on your behalf.
Preliminary injunction
The original decision remains valid until a new decision is taken. This means that you will not be granted suspension of payment. If this causes financial problems for you or your institution, you can apply to the court for a preliminary injunction Link opent externe pagina .