How do I arrange DUO payment arrears?
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Detailed explanation, checklist and sources
First identify the debt and whether collection has been transferred. A payment arrangement is often possible while DUO still holds the arrears. Reducing future repayments does not automatically clear old arrears.
On this page
1. Your situation
Read Mijn DUO → Mijn berichten for amount, deadline, formal notice and payee. Check your email and report a foreign address. If transferred to CJIB, bailiff or international collector, contact the party named; do not assume DUO can offer a new arrangement.
2. Conditions
Prevent new debt: request a lower student-loan payment or, if appropriate, a repayment-free period. Stop a student travel product running without entitlement immediately. These steps are separate from arranging old instalments.
3. Preparation
Travel debt before a formal demand: request an arrangement in Mijn DUO if you cannot pay at once. After a demand use Aanvraag betalingsregeling DUO-schuld. Gather reference, notices, income, expenses and an affordable proposal.
4. Apply
Tuition/lesgeld: use the ordinary instalment plan. If unavailable or cancelled, contact DUO for an alternative assessment. For student-loan arrears use the official arrangement form: DUO specifies at least €45 monthly and clearance within two years. Call before committing if unaffordable.
5. Decision
Keep the application and obtain confirmation of start, instalments and payment details. Applying does not automatically suspend a deadline; contact urgently if needed. DUO charges no arrangement interest from 1 August 2024 through 31 December 2026. Continuation afterwards is unknown; this is not a general interest freeze on student loans.
6. Next steps
Track current payments and the arrangement separately. For wider problems, contact municipal debt help or Geldfit; DUO also describes early-warning cooperation with Amsterdam. Restructuring/forgiveness is not automatic. Challenge an incorrect debt under its objection instructions while discussing payment.
Does a lower monthly payment remove arrears?
No. Reduction affects future repayments under the decision. Arrange old arrears separately.
Documents to prepare
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Debt type and reference
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Record what happened, when, the response and where to find the letter, message or photo. Mark uncertain dates.
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0 / 6 · Checked or collected
For each event, note the date, what happened and where the evidence is kept. Example: 3 October — letter received — correspondence folder.
Describe the solution you would like, such as an explanation of a deduction and repayment of the outstanding amount.
For example: which document is missing, who can provide it and what should I do first?
Record the date and its source. If unknown, note this and check promptly. This tool does not calculate or monitor deadlines.
After your conversation
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- Debt type and reference
- Demand or transfer
- Current instalment
- Income and expenses
- Correct form and receipt
- Confirmed plan and dates
Contact with a lawyer
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Need personal assistance? Request a lawyer through our chat. We explain the next step; submitting a request does not engage a lawyer. The links below support the legal information.
DUO · Betalingsachterstand ↗Sources may be in Dutch. General information about Dutch law, not individual legal advice.