UHT debt summary and payments

Benefits Department

The algorithm helps parents gain a quick and easy insight into their financial situation. They can request a payment and settlement statement from UHT, which sets out all payments and debts. This allows them to see what has been paid, what is still outstanding and, if necessary, to take action in the event of any ambiguities or inaccuracies.

Last change on 6th of August 2026, at 7:27 (CET) | Publication Standard 1.0

• Publication category: Impactful algorithms
• Impact assessment: DPIA
• Status: In use

General information

Theme

Social Security

Begin date

2023-10

Contact information

[e-mail]

Link to publication website

https://herstel.toeslagen.nl/

Responsible use

Goal and impact

The algorithm helps parents gain a quick and clear overview of their financial situation. Parents can request a payment and settlement statement from UHT. This statement lists all payments and outstanding amounts. This way, parents know exactly what has already been paid and what still needs to be paid. The process is quicker and clearer than if this were done manually. The statement gives parents the insight they need to better understand their financial affairs, stay in control and take action in the event of any ambiguities or inaccuracies.

Considerations

Using this algorithm offers the following benefits for managing parents’ payments and debts:

· Fast: parents are quickly provided with an overview of their financial situation

· Consistent: payments and debts are always recorded in the same way

· Accurate: it is possible to determine precisely what the parent still owes and what has already been paid

· Up-to-date: information is always up to date. This enables parents to better understand and manage their financial situation and remain in control

· Transparent: parents can see all the steps and details of their payments

When weighing up the use of the algorithm, the following potential drawbacks were taken into account:

· Dependence on reliable data: the algorithm only works properly if the data is accurate and complete. For this reason, the data is subject to additional checks and the results are sometimes verified manually.

· Dependence on technical systems: system malfunctions or outages can affect the algorithm’s operation. The systems are therefore continuously monitored.

· Limited scope for individual nuances: An algorithm operates on the basis of pre-defined rules and patterns and is therefore less able to take exceptional or unique situations into account. In such cases, a human assessment is always carried out before any follow-up steps or actions are taken. [AK1]Dependent on (properly functioning) technical systems.

Human intervention

· UHT staff check the statement manually before it is sent to parents

· Incorrect or missing details are manually added or corrected before the parent receives the statement

· If parents have any questions or concerns, they can contact UHT to discuss them

Risk management

· Risk management and safeguards

The Benefits Service has drawn up conditions for the development of algorithms, in the form of a quality framework. This sets out rules and agreements that must be followed when developing the algorithm. The conditions originate from the Central Government Audit Service and are binding. The algorithm has business rules based on legislation and regulations. These business rules are tested and maintained to ensure continued compliance with legislation, regulations and policy objectives. Whenever changes are made to an algorithm, the Benefits Service assesses whether the quality requirements are still being met.

· Equality, non-discrimination and privacy

The use of data is assessed against the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR). The GDPR stipulates that we may not use more data than is necessary to achieve a specific purpose. This is known as data minimisation. The Benefits Service examines which data is necessary and may be used.

· Profiling

The use of data is assessed to prevent unlawful profiling from taking place.

· Citizens’ rights

Citizens have the right to view the information collected about them. They may also submit a request to have this information amended.

Legal basis

· Act on the Recovery of Child Benefit Allowances

· General Data Protection Regulation Implementation Act

· Act on General Provisions Relating to the Citizen Service Number

· Archives Act 1995

· Selection Lists of the Benefits Service

For further information, see: https://wetten.overheid.nl and https://wetten.overheid.nl/BWBR0047436/2026-01-01/0

Links to legal bases

Government Legislation: https://wetten.overheid.nl

Elaboration on impact assessments

Privacy and the GDPR

The use of data must be assessed against the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR). Assessing personal data helps to identify any potential privacy risks and enables appropriate measures to be taken.

The GDPR stipulates that no more data may be used than is necessary. This is known as data minimisation. The Tax and Customs Administration regularly reviews whether the data used is still necessary and may therefore be used.

The GDPR compliance document has been drawn up. GDPR-related risks have been identified and recommendations have been followed up with appropriate measures.

Equality and non-discrimination

The algorithm is assessed in line with applicable non-discrimination principles relating to direct and indirect discrimination. By processing as little personal data as possible, the risk of direct discrimination is reduced. Staff involved in the development and management of the algorithms receive training on data protection and bias.

Impact assessment

Data Protection Impact Assessment (DPIA)

Operations

Data

The algorithm uses, amongst other things:

· National Insurance number, name and decision reference number

· Date and type of change

· Amounts already paid out and costs

· For the Catshuis scheme: amount received, amount to be paid, benefit partners and criminal record indications

Using this data, the algorithm can generate accurate, consistent and up-to-date financial statements.

Technical design

The algorithm for managing payments and debts helps to create an overview of parents’ financial situation and financial obligations. The algorithm consists of the following steps:

In step 1, basic data is collected, such as the national identity number, name, case reference number, and financial details such as payment, principal amount, costs, interest and account number. This information is retrieved from various administrative sources.

In step 2, the collected data is analysed to create a comprehensive overview of payments and settlements. Transaction types and dates are taken into account to provide an up-to-date picture of the financial situation.

In step 3, the system automatically updates the overview to reflect debts that have already been repaid.

In step 4, the generated payment file is checked by a team, which makes additions where necessary and ensures that the data is correct.

In step 5, the complete overview is compiled and, if parents request it, can be shared with them to provide insight into their financial situation. The result is a clear and carefully prepared overview of financial obligations, which can be used immediately in further communication with parents. We carry out all these steps whilst respecting parents’ privacy, in accordance with the rules of the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR).