Review and appeal

If you disagree with a decision we have taken, we will first try to explain our decision to you and answer any questions you have. If you still disagree after speaking to us, you can send us a request for review within 6 weeks of the date of the decision. Find out how to request a review step by step.

Step 1: Call us if you do not agree with our decision

If you do not agree with a decision you have received from us, call us on the telephone number stated in the decision letter. We can then explain our decision to you and answer any questions you have.

Step 2: Request a review

If we cannot agree, or if you are not satisfied with our explanation or the solution we propose, you can request a review of our decision within 6 weeks, either online via My SVB or by sending us a letter.

You can request a review online via My SVB, where you can also upload documents that may be relevant for your request for review. Log in to My SVB using your DigiD. If you live in Europe, you can also log in with a valid EU Login. 

Requesting a review via My SVB

If you cannot log in to My SVB, you can apply for a DigiD and manage your affairs with us online.

If you want someone else to request a review for you, you will need to fill in your representative’s personal details in your online request for review. Please note, however, that you will remain responsible for any acts or omissions by your representative.

If you cannot log in to My SVB, you need to send a request for review by post. Your letter should include the following:

  • your name and address
  • Your Burgerservicenummer (BSN ) or your SVB reference number (you will find this number in the letter we sent you)
  • your telephone number
  • the date of your request for review
  • the decision you are objecting to
  • your reasons for not agreeing with the decision
  • the decision you think the SVB should take
  • your signature

Send your letter within 6 weeks to the SVB office that took the decision. Write the word ‘Bezwaarschrift’ (request for review) in the top left-hand corner of the envelope. Enclose any documents that may be relevant.

You want to authorise someone to represent you

If you want someone to request a review on your behalf, you must enclose an authorisation with the request for review. An authorisation is a statement signed by you in which you appoint someone else to arrange your affairs with the SVB. Please note, however, that you will remain responsible for any acts or omissions by the person you appoint.

If you live on Bonaire, Sint Eustatius or Saba, you can choose to skip the review procedure with the SVB and appeal directly to the Court of First Instance (Gerecht in eerste aanleg) at Plasa Reina Wilhelmina (Fort Oranje), Kralendijk, Bonaire. Your letter of appeal must reach the Court within 6 weeks of the date of the decision you disagree with.

Step 3: What happens after we receive your request for review

After we receive your request for review, we will call you or the person representing you. This is normally within 5 working days. We will discuss your request for review with you and ask for more information if necessary.

We will send you written confirmation of your request for review.

If you would like to discuss your request for review with us, you can call us on the telephone number stated in the confirmation letter.

If you request a review, we will examine your objections. You should receive a decision from us within 13 weeks at the latest, although it can be as early as 6 weeks.

We can only reimburse you for costs relating to your request for review if we have made an error AND we must take a new decision. This could be the cost of professional legal help or advice, extracts from public registers, and travel expenses. If you wish to be reimbursed for costs, you should make this clear in your request for review or during the review procedure.

You have received a decision on your request for review

If you have received a decision on your request for review but you do not agree with it, you can appeal it to the court. We explain how you can do this in our decision letter.

More information