Filing a Notice of Appeal with the District Court of Leiden
As a resident of Leiden, a notice of appeal is the official document to lodge an appeal with the District Court of Leiden against a decision by an administrative authority, such as the UWV on social security matters. This follows a rejected objection and must be filed within six weeks of the decision on the objection. This article guides Leiden residents step by step on how to get it right.
What is a notice of appeal for Leiden residents?
In the field of social security, such as UWV benefits like unemployment (WW), WIA or municipal assistance from the Municipality of Leiden, you usually start with a notice of objection. If rejected, you can lodge an appeal with the administrative division of the District Court of Leiden. The notice of appeal is your written request for the decision to be reviewed and potentially revised.
This document initiates the legal proceedings. Failure to file on time forfeits your right to appeal. This builds on our article about Appealing to the District Court of Leiden.
Legal rules for notices of appeal in Leiden
The procedure is governed by the General Administrative Law Act (Awb), Chapter 6.1 (Articles 6:7 to 6:12 Awb), as well as the Procedural Regulations for Administrative Law Cases of the Judiciary. For UWV cases in Leiden, the District Court of Leiden has jurisdiction.
- Article 6:7 Awb: Appeal is a written step taken with the administrative court.
- Article 6:9 Awb: Within six weeks of the date of the objection decision.
- Article 6:12 Awb: Minimum content requirements.
Non-compliance may result in the District Court of Leiden declaring the appeal inadmissible.
When and where to file as a Leiden resident?
File the notice of appeal after the objection decision from the UWV or Municipality of Leiden. The deadline is strict: six weeks from the dispatch date.
- Check the date on the letter.
- Send it to the District Court of Leiden, the competent venue for your place of residence.
- Directly to the court, not via the UWV.
Find details on rechtspraak.nl or at the Juridisch Loket Leiden.
Content requirements for your notice of appeal
Article 6:12 Awb requires a notice of appeal to include:
- Your name, address, and date of birth.
- Name of the administrative authority (e.g., UWV or Municipality of Leiden).
- Description and copy of the contested decision.
- Your grounds explaining why the decision is incorrect.
- Date and your signature.
Download the model form from the Rechtspraak website. Attach evidence, such as medical reports for WIA cases.
Filing methods for Leiden residents
Options for a notice of appeal:
| Method | Advantages | Disadvantages | Costs |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mail or in person at District Court of Leiden | No DigiD required | Potential delays, risk of loss | Postage |
| Digital via Mijn Rechtspraak (DigiD/eHerkenning) | Immediate confirmation | DigiD required | Free |
| Rechtspraak desk in Leiden | Immediate advice | Travel time | None |
Court fee: €184 (2024) for individuals. Apply for remission if low income via rechtspraak.nl or Juridisch Loket Leiden.
Practical examples from Leiden
Example 1: Unemployment benefits (WW) denied. Objection against termination of WW due to insufficient job applications rejected? File a notice of appeal with the District Court of Leiden within six weeks, including grounds such as 'evidence of applications missing' plus attachments.
Example 2: Low WIA benefit. UWV awards too little? After objection: notice of appeal with medical counter-evidence. Request preliminary relief (Article 8:81 Awb) to maintain benefits.
Rights and obligations upon filing
Rights:
- Extension of time if missed (Article 6:9(2) Awb).
- Request a hearing.
- Subsidized legal aid via the Council for Legal Aid or Juridisch Loket Leiden.
Obligations:
- File on time.
- Provide complete and honest information.
- Cooperate.
See also Filing a Notice of Objection.
Leiden-specific tips
- Use the model from Rechtspraak or Council of State.
- Visit Juridisch Loket Leiden for free initial advice on social security.
- Archive UWV/Municipality of Leiden correspondence with dates.
- Request preliminary relief in cases of urgent need.
- Follow up via Mijn Rechtspraak.
Too complex? Contact Juridisch Loket Leiden for assistance.
Frequently asked questions
Can I file a notice of appeal late?
No, the six-week deadline is strict. Only request remedy in exceptional cases from the District Court of Leiden.