If you submit an application to the government in Leiden, it must make a decision within a fixed period. If this does not happen, there are steps you can take. Discover which deadlines apply and what to do in case of delay.
Statutory Deadlines for Decisions
According to the General Administrative Law Act (Awb), various decision deadlines apply:
| Circumstance | Period |
|---|---|
| Regular application (no specific deadline) | 8 weeks after receipt |
| Specific statutory deadline | Deadline according to that law |
| Deadline in policy rules | As laid down in the rule |
Suspension of the Decision Deadline
The deadline may be temporarily suspended in the following cases:
- If your application is not complete (time to supplement)
- If you yourself request an extension
- If the administrative authority needs to obtain data from abroad
- If you agree to the delay
Extension of the Deadline
The administrative authority may extend the decision deadline by a maximum of 8 weeks. You will be notified of this in writing before the expiry of the original period.
What to Do in Case of Delay: Notice of Default
If the government in Leiden does not decide on time, you can take action by sending a notice of default:
- Write a letter in which you hold the administrative authority in default
- They then have another 2 weeks to make a decision
- If there is still no decision, a coercive fine may be imposed
- You can also lodge an appeal directly due to the failure to make a decision
Coercive Fine for Late Decision-Making
After a notice of default and the expiry of 2 weeks, the following amounts apply:
- € 23 per day for the first 14 days
- € 35 per day for the next 14 days
- € 45 per day for all subsequent days
- Maximum amount: € 1.442
Frequently Asked Questions about Decision Deadlines
From when does the decision deadline count?
The deadline starts the day after receipt of your complete application by the administrative authority.
Can I claim a coercive fine and lodge an appeal at the same time?
Yes, both options are possible. The coercive fine motivates a quick decision, while an appeal can lead to a judgment by the court.
Is the coercive fine scheme always applicable?
No, there are exceptions, such as in asylum procedures and certain other cases.
Contact and Assistance in Leiden
For legal support, you can go to the Juridisch Loket Leiden at Stationsweg 46. For cases that go to court, you can contact the District Court of The Hague, Leiden location.