KNM: instanties en DigiD

In Nederland the gemeente is your first stop. You register your address there (zich inschrijven) and you apply for a passport or ID card. The gemeente also helps with debts and care at home.

Other instanties. Taxes: the Belastingdienst. Allowances such as huurtoeslag and zorgtoeslag: Dienst Toeslagen. A residence permit (de verblijfsvergunning): the IND. Your inburgering exam: DUO.

Your DigiD is only yours. DigiD is your login for the government (inloggen). Never give your password (het wachtwoord) or codes to anyone. Does someone help you? They ask for a machtiging with their own DigiD.

If you get a strange message ("Your DigiD stops today, click here"): don't click the link. It is a fake message (een nepbericht).

If you don't understand a letter (de brief): don't throw it away and don't wait. Ask for help, for example at the library (de bibliotheek) or the gemeente. Help there is free.

If you don't agree with a decision (het besluit): you can object (bezwaar maken). Do it quickly: there is a deadline in the letter.

If something changes in your life (a new job, a new address, someone moves in), pass it on (een wijziging doorgeven). If you don't, you may have to pay money back later.

Check your online post. Official post also comes in the Berichtenbox of MijnOverheid.

Component · KNM, theme Instanties (contact with the government and DigiD)

• Task type · Multiple choice: a short situation with a name, often a photo, and three answers. "Wat is waar?", "Wat doet X het beste?"
• Real exam · On the computer, 45 minutes, simple Dutch. Questions about digital contact with the government and online safety are part of the exam.

Most common mistakes

1. Sharing DigiD. You never give your DigiD or password to anyone, not even family. A helper uses a machtiging.
2. Trusting a link. The government never asks for your password or money through a link in a text message or e-mail.
3. Waiting with a letter. Don't put a letter away. Ask for help quickly and look for the date in the letter.
4. Forgetting to pass on changes. A new address, job or housemate? Tell the gemeente or Dienst Toeslagen.