Black Work and Social Assistance Benefits in Tilburg: Legal Risks
In Tilburg, engaging in black work alongside a social assistance benefit breaches the reporting obligation under the Participation Act (art. 17). The municipality of Tilburg often discovers this through bank transactions, tips from neighbors in neighborhoods such as Oud-Zuid or de Heikant, or lifestyle checks. The local social investigation unit is active in the region and monitors cash payments from hospitality or odd jobs in the Textielstad.
Enforcement in Tilburg
The Income Department of the municipality of Tilburg conducts social investigations, with a focus on black work in sectors such as retail and construction. Discovery can lead to criminal liability under the Criminal Code (art. 348), with recent cases in the Tilburg District Court.
Administrative and Criminal Consequences
Expect recovery of benefits, administrative fines up to 100% of the fraud amount, and possibly a criminal record. Tax authorities will issue additional assessments for wage and income tax through the Belastingdienst in Tilburg. In 2023, the municipality reported dozens of social assistance fraud cases.
Prevention and Rights in Tilburg
- Report additional income immediately to the Werkplein Tilburg
- Object to decisions with the municipality
- Engage a local lawyer via the Juridisch Loket in Tilburg for criminal matters
Legal part-time jobs, such as at Coolblue or local shops, are permitted if you report them to your benefit provider. Transparency prevents problems with your social assistance in Tilburg.