- The Dutch Tax Authority (Belastingdienst) is responsible for healthcare benefit, rent benefit, supplementary child benefit, and childcare benefit.
- The Sociale Verzekeringsbank (SVB) is responsible for child benefit (kinderbijslag).
Depending on your situation, you may be eligible for benefits for healthcare insurance, a rented house, and/or children. You need to have a BSN to claim benefits.
The benefits paid by the Belastingdienst are paid monthly. You need to apply for these benefits on the belastingdienst.nl website using the Mijn toeslagen (My benefits) section (which is only available in Dutch). You log in with your DigiD. Alternatively, you can call the Tax Information Line to make an appointment at a tax office or for a referral to a benefits service point.
See the child benefit section below to find out how to apply for child benefit from the SVB.
What happens if my situation changes?
You should always notify the relevant authority if your situation changes.
- If you are leaving the Netherlands, consult the Dienst Toeslagen website to see what you need to do for the benefits from the Belastingdienst.
- You must report any changes regarding child benefit to the SVB within 4 weeks.
Below is an overview of each allowance with links for more detailed information.
Healthcare benefit (zorgtoeslag)
This benefit is a contribution towards the costs of your healthcare insurance premium.
You may be eligible for healthcare benefit if:
- you have compulsory Dutch healthcare insurance
- you are over the age of 18 years
- you have EU nationality or a valid residence/work permit
- your income and savings/capital do not exceed the set thresholds
See I have Dutch healthcare insurance for more information.
Rent benefit (huurtoeslag)
If you are renting a property in the Netherlands, you may be entitled to a contribution towards your rental costs. Whether you are eligible for rent benefit depends on your income, rent and living situation. A full list of the conditions for rent benefit can be found on the Dienst Toeslagen website.
See I live in a rented house for more information.
Child benefit (kinderbijslag)
Child benefit is available to residents in the Netherlands who have children under the age of 18. The amount depends on the age of the child, and it is paid per quarter at the end of the quarter. There are new education requirements for receiving child benefit for children aged 16 or 17. See the SVB website for full details.
Generally speaking, you do not need to apply for child benefit. Once you have registered your child with the municipality, the SVB will send you a letter within 3 to 6 weeks regarding child benefit. If you do not receive a letter within 6 weeks, go to this page (in English) on the SVB website and answer the questions.
See Child benefit Home | Child benefit | SVB for more information.
Supplementary child benefit (kindgebonden budget)
If you are residing in the Netherlands and your income is below a certain threshold, you may be eligible for supplementary child benefit for every child under the age of 18. The Belastingdienst (Dutch tax authority) will usually automatically inform you if you qualify for supplementary child benefit. However, they do not always have all the necessary data. If you think you are eligible, you can contact the Belastingdienst or apply for the benefit yourself via the Mijn toeslagen website. If you have been informed that you are eligible but that is not the case, you should terminate the benefit yourself by contacting the Belastingdienst.
See I have children up to the age of 18 for more information.
Childcare benefit (kinderopvangtoeslag)
Childcare benefit is a subsidy to help to cover the fairly high costs of a childcare center (kinderopvang) or childminder. In order to receive childcare benefit, both you and your benefit partner must be employed or studying, and the childcare center or childminding agency must be registered. You can receive childcare benefit for a maximum of 230 hours per month per child.
See My child goes to a childcare centre for more information.
Important to note
You need to apply for childcare benefit no later than 3 months after the month in which your child first goes to the childcare center.