Child Benefits in the Netherlands: How to Apply and Types of Benefits

Introduction

In the Netherlands, families and single parents can receive various benefits and allowances to support the cost of raising children. The primary child benefit is known as “kinderbijslag,” which aims to help parents cover essential expenses such as clothing, food, and education. Additionally, there are other child-related benefits available, including the child budget and childcare benefit, all of which are essential in providing financial aid to families. This comprehensive guide explores the requirements and application process for each child benefit, ensuring parents can access the support they need to provide a nurturing environment for their children.

Child Benefit (Kinderbijslag)

Requirements for Child Benefit

To be eligible for child benefit, parents need to be registered and residing in the Netherlands. In certain cases, eligibility is extended to parents living in other countries with social security agreements and Dutch child benefit scheme insurance (AKW).

How to Apply for Child Benefit

In most cases, the Sociale Verzekeringsbank (SVB) automatically provides child benefit to eligible parents. However, if not received automatically, parents can apply for child benefit using their DigiD code. If the child is born in the Netherlands, the SVB should directly contact the parents.

Amount of Child Benefit 2023

As of Januari 1, 2024, the child benefit amounts per child per quarter are as follows:

• €279.49 for children aged 0 to 5 years
• €339,38 for children aged 6 to 11 years
• €399,27 for children aged 12 to 17 years

Child Budget (Kindgebonden Budget)

Requirements for Child Budget

Families receiving child benefit may also qualify for the child budget if their income falls below a certain level. To be eligible, parents must have one or more children under the age of 18, a valid residence permit, and meet specific income and capital requirements.

Childcare Benefit (Kinderopvangtoeslag)

Requirements for Childcare Benefit

Childcare benefit is designed to assist working parents in covering childcare costs. To be eligible, both parents must be working or studying, have a valid residence permit, and their child must be registered at their address. The type of childcare and level of income also impact the eligibility criteria.

How to Apply for Childcare Benefit

To apply for childcare benefit, parents need to have a Mijn Toeslagen account linked to their Mijn Belastingdienst account. A DigiD is required to complete the online application. Details such as the Burgerservicenummer (BSN), income proof, and childcare information are necessary for the application.

Types of Child Benefits in the Netherlands

In the Netherlands, there are essentially two types of child benefits available:

Child Benefit (Kinderbijslag)

Child benefit, known as “kinderbijslag,” is a regular payment provided to parents or guardians of children up to the age of 18 to help cover the costs of raising them. To claim child benefit, parents must be registered for social security in the Netherlands. The amount received per child varies based on age, and additional rates are available for parents with handicapped children.

Tax Allowances (Toeslagen)

Tax allowances in the Netherlands include two types of child-related allowances:

1. Childcare Allowance (Kinderopvangtoeslag): The childcare allowance is a tax credit aimed at supporting working or studying parents in covering childcare expenses. To be eligible, both parents must be working or studying, have a valid residence permit, and their child must be registered at their address. The type of childcare and the level of income also impact eligibility. The Dutch government pays a percentage of childcare costs, and parents cover the remainder based on their income.
2. Child Budget (Kindgebonden Budget): The child budget, or “kindgebonden budget,” is a means-tested tax credit provided to low-income families with children under the age of 18 who receive child benefit. Eligibility is based on income and asset levels, and single parents typically receive a slightly higher amount. Additional support is given for children aged over 12. The child budget is calculated on a sliding scale, with higher-income families receiving a lower amount.

It’s essential to understand the distinction between child benefit (kinderbijslag), which is a regular payment, and the tax allowances (toeslagen), which are means-tested credits provided to eligible families to assist with childcare expenses and provide additional support based on income levels.

Other Forms of Financial Support for Parents

In addition to child benefits, there are other forms of financial support available to parents in the Netherlands:

Parental Leave

Parents in the Netherlands can take paid maternity and paternity leave. Mothers can take 16 weeks of leave at full pay, while fathers can take one week at full pay and an additional five weeks of unpaid leave reimbursed through social security at up to 70%. Working parents with children up to the age of eight can also take parental leave equivalent to 26 times their weekly working hours.

Social Assistance Benefit

Low-income households can apply for social assistance benefit (bijstandsuitkering) through their local municipality to receive additional financial support. This can help cover various expenses, including school-related costs and extra-curricular activities.

Compensation Schemes

In response to a childcare allowance scandal, various compensation schemes have been introduced, allowing affected families to claim up to €30,000. Eligible individuals can seek compensation if they were unjustly denied childcare allowance.

Conclusion

The Netherlands offers various child benefits and financial support mechanisms to help families and single parents provide a nurturing environment for their children. From child benefit (kinderbijslag) to childcare allowance (kinderopvangtoeslag) and the child budget (kindgebonden budget), each benefit serves a specific purpose in assisting parents with the cost of raising children. By understanding the requirements and application processes for each benefit, families can access the financial support they need to ensure their children’s well-being and development. Additionally, other forms of financial support, such as parental leave and social assistance benefit, further contribute to creating a supportive environment for families in the Netherlands.