The Dutch childcare benefits scandal (toeslagenaffaire) became a symbol of a failing rule of law, the risks posed by algorithms and big data, and the breach of trust between citizens and the government. In Rotterdam alone, more than 10,000 families have been affected by the childcare benefits scandal. Even in 2026, the consequences are still being felt every day, and the benefits restauration is very much ongoing. Stichting (Gelijk)waardig Herstel (SGH) helps resolve problems more quickly and meaningfully with the help of Listening Writers.
Prof. mr. Siewert Lindenbergh is a part-time Professor of Private Law at Erasmus University Rotterdam (EUR). He has been conducting research into the handling of personal injury claims for the past 35 years. Through his specialism, he became interested in (Gelijk)waardig Herstel, a foundation for people affected by the childcare benefits scandal. Lindenbergh explains that parents who have suffered greater losses than those compensated so far – for example, through the loss of a home or a job – can choose between two recognised routes for claiming additional compensation. In addition to the government’s MijnHerstel scheme, there is the compensation route offered by the Stichting (Gelijk)waardig Herstel (SGH).
Lindenbergh: 'What I particularly appreciate about the SGH method is that humanity, autonomy and personal contact are paramount. Formalities and legalisation are kept to a minimum. The Listening Writer plays a key role in this. This is a volunteer who writes down the story of a parent who got into difficulties because of the benefits scandal. Based on this personal account of the facts, an independent claims analyst assesses whether someone is entitled to additional compensation.'
'Above all, you need to be able to listen attentively and without judgement'
Professor Siewert Lindenbergh
Lindenbergh himself volunteers as a Listening Writer for the SGH as well. But he emphasises that you don't need to be a legal expert to become a Listening Writer. 'Above all, you need to be able to listen attentively and without judgement. My wife is also a volunteer there, as are many people in my street. It's a wonderful opportunity to make a social impact.
During the Dies, the president of the Executive Board called on people to listen intently to the residents of Rotterdam. The Stichting (Gelijk)waardig Herstel offers an excellent opportunity to do just that.' He therefore calls on everyone to sign up as a volunteer. 'We can use all the help we can get, particularly in Rotterdam. Rotterdam is, in fact, the hardest-hit municipality in the Netherlands. It is estimated that more than 11,000 families in this region have been affected. If we all help just one person now, we'll solve the problem much faster,' he pleads.
Contributing to a humane solution
Boyd Wallien, Coordinator and Communications Advisor at the SGH, speaks enthusiastically about volunteering with the foundation. 'It only takes 15 to 20 hours to make a difference in someone's life. Volunteering as a Listening Writer is an educational and rewarding experience for everyone. 9,500 volunteers before you have already done so. On our website, you'll find various testimonials, each of which is truly inspiring.'
Wallien explains how to become a Listening Writer. 'Once you've signed up as a volunteer on our website, you'll first attend a one-hour online introductory session. After that, you'll be a certified Listening Writer. We'll then match you as a volunteer with a parent. They'll get in touch with you, and the interviews will follow. On average, there are four to five meetings. You don't need to worry about being on your own. You'll be assigned a dedicated contact person at SGH, and there are also drop-in consultation hours where you can ask questions. If this appeals to you, sign up as a volunteer today on our website gelijkwaardigherstel.nl (in Dutch). You'll also find detailed information there, such as the eligibility criteria. For example, proficiency in Dutch is required and you must be at least 21 years old and live in the Netherlands.'
'I believe the approach pursued by the Stichting (Gelijk)waardig Herstel is a very valuable addition to what the government can offer'
Professor Arwin van Buuren
Strategic Dean Impact & Engagement
Working towards the future
GOVLAB010 (in Dutch) is a partnership between the University of Rotterdam (EUR) and the City of Rotterdam in the field of governance and organisation, under the academic leadership of Professor Arwin van Buuren. A few years ago, this Knowledge Lab conducted research into the restoration process and the effectiveness of support for victims of the benefits scandal. Van Buuren: 'In the report Werken aan een toekomst na de Toeslagenaffaire (Working towards a future after the Benefits Scandal, only in Dutch) the researchers note that the operational implementation is struggling with the scale of the problem and how to organise tailored support to help victims appropriately. The pressure on the implementing organisation is very high and seemed only to be increasing.'
Lindenbergh wants to link (Gelijk)waardig Herstel within the EUR to education and research. 'Together with Arwin van Buuren, The Strategic Dean Impact & Engagement, I am currently exploring the possibilities.'
- Professor
- More information
Please visit the website of Stichting (Gelijk)waardig Herstel (only in Dutch).
If you have a research-related question, please contact the Impact & Engagement team via strategicdean@eur.nl.
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