At the mercy of the bureaucrats part III: benefits

One of the more problematic aspects of being unemployed is of course that one does not have any income which under normal circumstances very quickly leads to financial restraints. So after a few months and staring at a negative bank balance, I have put up with the fact that I might have to apply for some benefits from the government. As was to be expected, that is easier said than done.

The first obstacle has to do with the kind of benefits, no surprises there. Even the employees of the institution in charge are uncertain, due to the fact that I have worked abroad. Of course. After four different people and as many versions to the application process, there is finally some clarity. If you have worked in Britain but have a Dutch passport, you are eligible for the benefits for people who have lost their jobs. That is good news as these tend to be slightly higher than the standard ones for people that have not worked. A job abroad does complicate matters however as information is not registered automatically with government institutions.

After initial registration one therefore receives a letter kindly asking for photocopies of contracts, a number of forms including an end of the year certificate and all pay slips covering the entire period. Attached to the letter is a questionnaire containing the most interesting sort of questions including about one's housing situation, number of visits to the Netherlands whilst working abroad and, surprisingly, the intensity and manner of contact with family and friends at home. I am rather clueless as to why the government wants to know how often and in what way I talked to my family but actually think it is not really their business.

At the mercy of bureaucrats as one is in these matters however, there is little else to do than to obediently fill out the forms, gather all required information and send it off. Then I will once more resort to waiting as you do when dealing with bureaucracy. At least this time I am waiting with a smile about upcoming difficulties. Regarding my end of the year certificate for example. In Britain the tax year runs from April to April. In the Netherlands it's the calender year. That is not the same. That is a problem. O yes I am waiting. Waiting with a smile. For bureaucrats to look at me with big uncomprehending eyes whilst they open their mouth to start explaining the problem...as they do.