Student debt, monthly amount and objection
What is happening in your situation?
A monthly amount that is too high can have different causes. First check which repayment rules apply to your debt and which income DUO uses.
Ask your question in the chat You are reading information from Juridisch Antwoord. This is not a website of DUO.
What is happening in your situation?
Expand your question for a brief answer and a targeted next step.
My monthly amount is too high
DUO often already takes your income into account. Sometimes you must request a reduction yourself. Which option you have depends on the rules for your student debt. Check these before making an application.
My income has fallen
The calculation generally uses an earlier income year. If your income has fallen since then, find out whether DUO can use a more recent year. This is called changing the reference year.
I disagree with a decision
Find the message containing the decision and note which part you believe is incorrect. Read on DUO's website how you can object to that decision.
Related guidance
Related guidance
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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.
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Item 1 / 3 · Where do you stand with this item?
The decision or message about your monthly amount
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 / 3 · 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.
- The decision or message about your monthly amount
- Your repayment rules and the income year used
- Evidence of the change you want assessed
Note the date by which you must respond. If you are unsure about the deadline, seek help in time and do not wait only for a response in the chat.
Describe your question without your BSN, bank account number or other unnecessary personal information.Legal adviser or lawyer experienced in student finance
Ask specifically about experience with DUO and your type of debt or decision. If it is only a payment problem, assistance with the application may be sufficient.
Discuss experience with your subject, availability and costs. Also ask about possible assistance through your legal expenses insurance or state-funded legal aid.
You complete your application on our website. We assess your request for assistance and look for a suitable partner. You do not need to choose a profession or firm. An application is not yet an engagement.Does your question also concern another authority?
Sources and review of this explanation
This initial explanation was reviewed on 4 October 2026. The official pages mentioned set out the conditions and current next steps. The date does not automatically apply to other articles we link to.
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