I have debts — where can I get free help?
Debts in the Netherlands aren't solved alone — and you don't have to. (1) Amsterdam City Debt Counselling — call directly 020-346 0000 or email schuldhulp@amsterdam.nl. Free intake within 4 weeks, then restructuring programme. (2) NVVK-affiliated organisations via nvvk.nl — national quality mark. (3) Geldfit (050-123 0000) anonymous advice in one call. (4) Guardianship when overview is lost — court appoints administrator to manage your money. (5) WSNP (Statutory Debt Restructuring) as last resort: 18-month programme, then clean. During debt help collections stop via moratorium and no new fines accrue. Never ignore debt — it doubles via collection fees within 90 days.
Step by step
- 1Make your debt overviewList all open amounts: creditors, sums, monthly repayments. Open all unopened letters. No overview is no shame — administrator makes the overview for you.
- 2Call city debt counsellingAmsterdam: 020-346 0000 Mon-Fri 9:00-17:00. Anonymous info call possible. Intake within 4 weeks. Outside Amsterdam: search “[city] schuldhulpverlening”.
- 3Intake interview + planDebt counsellor reviews your situation: amicable settlement (all creditors agree) or WSNP. During programme collections route through one account — you receive living allowance.
- 4Moratorium — collections haltDuring debt help collections can be frozen (moratorium). Creditors can't seize assets or charge new interest. Gives breathing room to plan.
- 5Clean slate after ~18 monthsWSNP programme lasts 18 months living on allowance (~€1,200/month for single). Then: remaining debt is cancelled, you're clean — BKR registration remains 5 years.
All contacts
Frequently asked questions
Does city debt help cost money?
No, free. Cities are legally required (Municipal Debt Counselling Act). Private agencies can't charge for enrolment — refuse if they do.
How long does debt stay on my BKR?
5 years after repayment or WSNP completion. During registration you can't get a mortgage, loan, or sometimes rental. Earlier removal: only for incorrect registration via BKR.nl.
What's the difference between amicable settlement and WSNP?
Amicable: all creditors must agree to payment plan. If not (often one refuses): WSNP via judge — binding on all creditors. WSNP lasts 18 months.
Can I still work during WSNP?
Yes, in fact: work is mandatory (job-search obligation). Income above allowance goes to estate account for creditors. Extra income means more debt repaid = sooner clean.
What if I have gambling addiction — does debt help work then?
Yes, often combined with addiction care. Jellinek (free intake) or Antes for treatment. Debt help doesn't wait for addiction treatment — runs parallel. Guardianship recommended to prevent gambling during recovery.
Can I keep working / go on holiday during debt help?
Working: not only allowed but required (job-search obligation). Holiday: 2 weeks/year within NL allowed, abroad only with administrator's consent. Penalty for violation: programme can be terminated.
Sources
🔎 Common search queries
Recognise your own search? Our answer above covers all of these variants.
- “free debt help Amsterdam”
- “schuldhulp gemeente”
- “WSNP procedure”
- “NVVK debt restructuring”
- “BKR registration 5 years”