ToeslagenPortal, an intermediary service provider, will compensate individuals who used its online services for health-care, housing, and childcare benefits, following complaints to ACM that the service was not clearly disclosed as paid. Consumers were misled into paying 58 euros for applications they believed were free with the Tax Administration/Benefits.

ToeslagenPortal has set aside 250,000 euros to refund affected individuals and has adjusted its practices to clearly communicate that it is a paid service. The company has committed to complying with the rules moving forward.

ACM's investigation revealed that consumers were misled by ToeslagenPortal's ads that led them directly to application forms without clear pricing information. Despite the potential for fines, ACM accepted ToeslagenPortal's commitment to compensate affected consumers and improve its practices, leading to the closure of the investigation.

ToeslagenPortal will actively contact individuals who used its services since January 1, 2022, to offer compensation. The company has also pledged to donate any unclaimed funds to a Dutch foundation fighting poverty. An independent third party will monitor ToeslagenPortal's compliance with its commitments for two years.