The new Dutch cabinet has agreed to a second payment for students affected by grant cuts (pechstudenten). They will receive €44.50 for each month of the basic grant they missed out on, amounting to a total of €2,136 over four years of study.
During the period 2015–2023, students did not receive a basic grant. “For students who studied without a basic grant, it is bitter that the basic grant was reinstated so soon after it was abolished,” says Education Minister Rianne Letschert.
Meagre
She submitted the bill regulating a second compensation payment for students affected by the changes to the House of Representatives on Friday 20 March. The second compensation payment was a promise made by the previous government, as the first payment was deemed too meagre.
The first allowance amounts to nearly €1,700 for a four-year course without a basic grant. Together with the second allowance, this totals over €3,800.
All amounts are deducted from the student debt. Any remaining balance is paid into the former student’s bank account. However, that account number must be provided to DUO within twelve months. (HOP, BB)
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