Review and appeal
If you disagree with a decision we have taken, we will first try to explain our decision to you and answer any questions you have. If you still disagree after speaking to us, you can send us a letter to request a review within 6 weeks of the date of the decision. Find out how to request a review step by step.
Step 1: Call us if you do not agree with our decision
If you do not agree with a decision you have received from us, call us on the telephone number stated in the decision letter. We can then explain our decision to you and answer any questions you have.
Step 2: Request a review
If we cannot agree, or if you are not satisfied with our explanation or the solution we propose, you can request a review of our decision within 6 weeks.
You can send a request for review by post. Your letter should include the following:
- your name and address
- Your Burgerservicenummer (BSN) or your SVB reference number (you will find this number in the letter we sent you)
- your telephone number
- the date of your letter
- the decision you are objecting to
- your reasons for not agreeing with the decision
- the decision you think the SVB should take
- your signature
Send your letter within 6 weeks to the SVB office that took the decision. Write the word ‘bezwaarschrift’ (request for review) in the top left-hand corner of the envelope. Enclose any relevant documents. If you would like another person to send a request for review on your behalf, enclose an authorisation. An authorisation is a declaration that someone else will handle your affairs with the SVB for you. You will still be responsible, however, for any actions or omissions on the part of your representative.
Step 3: What happens after we receive your request for review
After we receive your request for review, we will call you or the person representing you. This is normally within 5 working days. We will discuss your request for review with you and ask for more information if necessary.
We will send you written confirmation of your request for review.
If you would like to discuss your request for review with us, you can call us on the telephone number stated in the confirmation letter.
If you request a review, we will examine your objections. You should receive a decision from us within 13 weeks at the latest, although it can be as early as 6 weeks.
We can only reimburse you for costs relating to your request for review if we have made an error AND we must take a new decision. This could be the cost of professional legal help or advice, extracts from public registers, and travel expenses. If you wish to be reimbursed for costs, you should make this clear in your request for review or during the review procedure.
If you disagree with the decision on your request for review
If you have received a decision on your request for review but you do not agree with it, you can appeal it to the court. We explain how you can do this in our decision letter.