Please note: The algorithm descriptions in English have been automatically translated. Errors may have been introduced in this process. For the original descriptions, go to the Dutch version of the Algorithm Register.

Add-on dispenser

If you cannot afford to pay for the help of a lawyer or mediator yourself, in some cases the government contributes part of the costs. Assessing the application is often done automatically by the Legal Aid Board. This allows you to get help faster. If certain conditions are met, the application is automatically approved. An application is never automatically rejected.

Last change on 3rd of November 2025, at 16:35 (CET) | Publication Standard 1.0
Publication category
Other algorithms
Impact assessment
DPIA
Status
In use

General information

Theme

Law

Begin date

2012

Contact information

algoritme@rvr.org

Responsible use

Goal and impact

Paying the costs for the help of a lawyer or mediator is called subsidised legal aid. The Legal Aid Board (the Council) regulates this. The part paid by the government is called an addition.


The automatic approval of an application is called the 'legal aid dispenser'. The purpose of the addition machine is to assess whether the litigant is eligible for subsidised legal aid.


When the application is received, a test is automatically carried out to assess whether the lawyer meets the conditions. It also checks whether the litigant is eligible for subsidised legal aid. The add-on machine is only used when we work with lawyers according to High Trust principles. High Trust is a way of cooperation between the Legal Aid Board (the Board) and the lawyer. Trust is the most important thing here. When a litigant is not granted an addition after the automatic test, the Council tests manually.

Considerations

By using the algorithm, the litigant is linked to the lawyer without any delay. The algorithm in the add machine also ensures that employees are relieved and that the many applications do not have to be approved manually, one by one.

Manual review occurs when:

- the lawyer is not (or no longer) registered with the Council

- applicant (or partner of applicant) does not have a BSN (citizen service number)

- the details provided do not match the details from the BRP (Basic Registration of Personal Details)

- a party seeking justice has died

- the applicant has an address abroad

- if the application is handwritten.

After that, the application may fall out if:

- the income is not known to the tax authorities

- there is a connection with another case or

- the lawyer has indicated that there are peculiarities in the financial assessment.

Human intervention

In some cases, the application is not automatically approved, so the application is manually processed by an employee. Within a few weeks, the application is approved or rejected.


All approved applications are randomly checked. More information on how this check works can be found under Sample checker - Legal Aid Board.

Risk management

The add machine is part of the Council's case system. It is located in a secure environment.

The Council has reviewed the operation of the adding machine for legality and concluded that it does not involve fully automated decision-making as referred to in Article 22 AVG. The DPIA concluded that the add-on machine poses no privacy risks.


Legal basis

Article 7 Legal Aid Act

Links to legal bases

Article 7 Legal Aid Act: https://wetten.overheid.nl/jci1.3:c:BWBR0006368&hoofdstuk=II&afdeling=2&artikel=7&z=2025-01-01&g=2025-01-01

Impact assessment

Data Protection Impact Assessment (DPIA)

Operations

Data

Lawyer/mediator details

  • Office name
  • Office number
  • RBV number


Details of the applicant

  • Surname, initials
  • BSN or alien number
  • Date of birth
  • City, postal code, address, house number and country code
  • Gender
  • Family composition single (yes/no)
  • Children under 18 years of age (yes/no)
  • Prosecutor's office number (in criminal cases)
  • Counterparty


Details partner litigant

  • Surname, initials
  • BSN or foreigner's number
  • Date of birth
  • Gender

Technical design

The Legal Aid Board deploys this algorithm to support the approval of applications for an addition. The algorithm is a rule-based algorithm, not a self-learning algorithm.


The algorithm comes to a conclusion based on established rules. These decision rules are established based on legal provisions and then programmed. When an application comes in, the algorithm tests whether it meets the conditions. If these data are complete and comprehensive, then the decision is automatically issued. The conditions used to test whether the requirements are met can be found under the heading 'Considerations'.


The outcome determines whether a litigant is automatically granted an addition. If the application is not automatically granted, the application will go to an employee. The clerk processes the application manually. As a result, the litigant has to wait slightly longer for a final allocation or rejection of the application. The processing of the application, however, remains within the legal deadline.