What is Child Benefit?
Child benefit is a financial contribution from the Dutch government to support parents with the costs of raising their children. You receive this contribution until your child reaches the age of 18. The amount you receive is determined by the age of your child.
Child Benefit Amounts 2024
| Child's Age | Per Quarter | Per Year |
|---|---|---|
| 0 to 5 years | ±€279 | ±€1.116 |
| 6 to 11 years | ±€339 | ±€1.356 |
| 12 to 17 years | ±€399 | ±€1.596 |
Conditions for Child Benefit
- Your child is younger than 18 years
- Your child resides in the Netherlands or a treaty country
- You are responsible for the care and maintenance of the child
- You are insured under the General Child Benefit Act (AKW)
How to Apply for Child Benefit?
Automatic Entitlement upon Birth
If your child is born in the Netherlands, you often do not need to do anything:
- Report the birth to the municipality
- The Social Insurance Bank (SVB) receives notification of this
- Child benefit is automatically granted
For adoption, foster care or a child born abroad, you must submit an application yourself.
Payment Dates
- Payment takes place quarterly in arrears
- Around the beginning of January, April, July and October
- The amount is deposited into the account of the caring parent
Child Benefit in Case of Divorce
In case of divorce:
- Child benefit is paid to the parent who primarily cares for the child
- In joint custody, the amount may be divided
- Changes must be reported to the SVB
Is Double Child Benefit Possible?
If your child requires extra care, you may qualify for double child benefit:
- Your child receives intensive care at home
- Your child does not live in a care institution
- You must apply to the SVB
Do I get child benefit for a stepchild?
Yes, provided you care for and maintain the stepchild as if it were your own child.
Is child benefit considered income?
No, child benefit is tax-free and does not affect benefits or other allowances.
What if my child has a job?
Child benefit continues until your child's 18th birthday, regardless of whether the child works.
Help in Rijswijk
For questions or assistance with applying for child benefit in Rijswijk, you can contact the Juridisch Loket Rijswijk. Additionally, Rijswijk falls under the jurisdiction of the District Court of The Hague for any legal disputes.
Frequently Asked Questions about Child Benefit
How do I apply for child benefit for a child born abroad?
If your child was born outside the Netherlands, you must submit an application yourself to the SVB. This can be done via the online form on their website. Attach a legalized and possibly translated birth certificate, as well as proof of residence in the Netherlands or a treaty country. The SVB will assess your entitlement to child benefit and, if approved, you will receive it retroactively from the date of birth.
What to do if I no longer receive child benefit after a divorce?
After a divorce, child benefit is normally paid to the parent with whom the child lives. In joint custody, a division is possible. Report changes in your situation immediately to the SVB via Mijn SVB or by telephone, so that the payment is correctly adjusted. This prevents issues such as recoveries.
Do I get child benefit if my child moves out for study?
Yes, child benefit continues until your child turns 18, even if they live independently for study. The child must reside in the Netherlands or a treaty country and be maintained by you. After 18, your child may be eligible to apply for student finance.
How does the application for double child benefit work?
Double child benefit is possible if your child requires intensive care at home and does not reside in an institution. Apply to the SVB with a medical certificate or proof from a care provider. The SVB will assess whether you qualify.