According to the Centrale Raad van Beroep, a couple residing in the Netherlands must repay 24,738,35 euros in social security benefits to the Social Insurance Bank (Svb) after failing to declare overseas real estate in Morocco. The recipients had collected the AIO income supplement for low-income seniors since July 1, 2018, before authorities investigated their foreign assets and property holdings in June 2021.
Investigation Uncovers Undeclared Moroccan Assets and Property
When the Svb initially questioned the beneficiary regarding foreign stays and assets, he declared an inherited agricultural plot in Morocco valued at 2,000 euros. Subsequent filings revealed an additional parcel in Tangier featuring a built structure. According to an investigation conducted in Morocco, the agricultural land was officially registered in his name. Authorities relied on an adoulary act, a construction permit, and multiple real estate evaluations to establish the Tangier property details.
Conflicting Family Claims and Property Valuations
The beneficiary maintained that he built the house himself, while claiming his children funded the construction and land purchase. Family members explained that a 30,000 euro medical compensation payout for a work incapacity contributed to the purchases, alongside additional financial help from a child. However, the Centrale Raad van Beroep noted that no formal loan contracts or debt acknowledgments existed to prove the children owned the property. Furthermore, property appraisals varied significantly. A family-requested evaluation initially valued the home at 720,000 dirhams (roughly 72,000 euros), while a subsequent Dutch inquiry assessed the house and land at 465,000 dirhams (around 42,550 euros), with the agricultural plot valued separately at nearly 2,250 euros.
Did You Know? The disputed property values and the agricultural plot pushed the beneficiaries’ combined assets above the legal wealth ceiling permitted for the AIO income supplement.
Retroactive Benefit Cancellation and Financial Recovery
Because the cumulative asset value exceeded statutory limits, the Svb canceled the allocation retroactively from July 1, 2018. The agency demanded the full repayment of 24,738.35 euros disbursed through September 30, 2021. The recipient challenged the retroactive use of a 2023 valuation, but the court ruled he provided no alternative assessments for the earlier period. In its final April 21, 2026 decision, the high court rejected pleas for a debt reduction based on age and financial hardship, clarifying that recovery remains bound by legally protected minimum income thresholds.
Frequently Asked Questions
What specific benefit was revoked by the Dutch authorities?
The Svb revoked the AIO, which is an income supplement provided to older individuals with insufficient resources in the Netherlands.
How much money did the high court order the couple to repay?
The Centrale Raad van Beroep confirmed a final repayment order of 24,738,35 euros covering benefits paid between July 1, 2018, and September 30, 2021.
What evidence did the court use to evaluate the Tangier property?
Authorities utilized an adoulary act, a construction permit, and multiple real estate evaluations, including an assessment valuing the house and land at approximately 42,550 euros.
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