Debt assistance or Wsnp: where do I start?
What would you like help with?
Detailed explanation, checklist and sources
For debts you cannot resolve, contact your municipality first. Have the voluntary arrangement options and a possible Wsnp request assessed. Only the court decides statutory debt restructuring; a clean slate is not automatic.
On this page
1. Report debts and urgency
Contact the municipality and keep evidence. Facing eviction or disconnection of gas, water or electricity? Say so immediately and show the notice. In a threatening situation the first interview should occur within three working days; this does not guarantee resolution by then. Do not wait for a routine appointment in an acute crisis.
2. Create one overview
List creditors, amounts, income, assets and necessary expenses, including disputed debts. The first interview should normally take place within four weeks of reporting. Ask which municipal decision period applies after that interview and identify missing information. An interview or admission decision does not mean all debts are resolved.
3. Explore the voluntary route
The municipality or authorised debt adviser explores an arrangement, such as mediation or a restructuring loan. A Wsnp request must substantiate that attempt or why it was impossible. Failure does not guarantee admission; also discuss whether a compulsory settlement request is suitable.
4. Prepare the Wsnp request
Prepare the official request and required declaration/documents with your adviser. The court considers Dutch residence, inability to pay, good faith over three years and ability to meet duties. Exceptions and special refusal grounds apply; obtain targeted assessment for criminal debts or business situations. A generic letter cannot replace this.
5. Understand duties and exceptions
For admission from 1 July 2023, Wsnp normally lasts eighteen months; exceptionally it can extend to five years. Provide information, avoid new debts and meet effort and payment duties. A Wsnp administrator supervises compliance and differs from protective administration. A clean slate does not cover every debt; check exclusions.
6. Act promptly after refusal
Act immediately after Wsnp refusal: appeal within eight days of the judgment through a lawyer. This differs from objecting to a municipal decision; read that decision's own remedies notice. Discuss interim court protection with your adviser in an acute crisis. Our assistance request neither pauses deadlines nor files a petition.
Are debt assistance, protective administration and Wsnp the same?
No. Municipal assistance seeks an arrangement; protective administration helps manage money; Wsnp is a court process with obligations. They can coexist. Our checklists grant neither admission nor debt relief.
Documents to prepare
Prepare your next stepFill in and save · Word
Tick what you have checked or collected. Note what is missing and take your overview to a meeting.
Unless saved in My overview: Your entries stay only on this screen. Download before leaving; closing or reloading clears them. Do not enter identity numbers, passwords or unnecessary personal details.
What do you still need for your next step?
Item 1 / 6 · Where do you stand with this item?
Municipal request and receipt
This overview follows your own answers. It does not assess your rights or guarantee that your file is complete.
Your choices stay here. Use the buttons below if you want to save or download.
View all details, notes and timeline
Your timeline and evidence
List events and contacts. Note where you keep the evidence; no upload is needed.
What goes in my timeline?
Record what happened, when, the response and where to find the letter, message or photo. Mark uncertain dates.
Is my evidence sent?
No. You only note where it is kept. No files are uploaded or sent automatically.
How do I save my timeline?
Your entries are not saved automatically. Choose Save and continue later to store this preparation, including your timeline, in My overview. Wait for confirmation and save new changes again. You can also download a Word file without an account.
Up to 20 events. Choose a different position for an event to change the order.
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
These are your own notes. Confirm agreements with the other person; these notes do not prove their agreement.
This is your preparation, not a submitted request, objection or legally reviewed document. A tick records only your own progress. Check the procedure and deadline in the original letter.
Save and continue later
Clear entries
Download anything you want to keep first. Clearing cannot be undone.
- Municipal request and receipt
- Eviction/disconnection threat and date
- Complete debts, income and expenses
- Outcome of voluntary attempt or reasons it was impossible
- Special debts and ability to meet duties
- Decision/judgment, date and prompt assistance
Contact with a lawyer
You can use the chat and information without a phone number. A contact request requires a phone number, a verified email address and your wish for telephone contact. Our team assesses which partner fits your question. Data is shared only under the stated consent procedure. A partner or engagement is not guaranteed.
View the current application processSources
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.
Rijksoverheid · Gemeentelijke schuldhulp ↗Bureau Wsnp · Toelating ↗Rechtspraak · Wsnp aanvragen ↗Rechtspraak · Wsnp en schone lei ↗Officiële toelichting Wgs · Eerste gesprek en crisis ↗Sources may be in Dutch. General information about Dutch law, not individual legal advice.