Healthcare benefit is a financial contribution from the government to ease the costs of your health insurance. The amount of the benefit depends on your income and assets.
What is healthcare benefit?
Healthcare benefit is support from the Tax Authorities to partially pay the premium of your health insurance. In the Netherlands, everyone must have basic health insurance, and this benefit helps people with lower income to cover the costs.
Conditions for healthcare benefit in 2024
- You are at least 18 years old
- You have health insurance in the Netherlands
- You are a Dutch citizen or have a valid residence permit
- Your income is below a certain threshold (see table)
- Your assets do not exceed the limit (see table)
Income limits 2024
| Situation | Maximum income |
|---|---|
| Single | € 37.496 |
| With benefit partner | € 47.368 (jointly) |
Asset limits 2024
| Situation | Maximum assets |
|---|---|
| Single | € 127.582 |
| With benefit partner | € 161.329 (jointly) |
How much healthcare benefit do you receive?
The maximum healthcare benefit for 2024 amounts to:
- Single: € 123 per month (€ 1.476 per year)
- With partner: € 239 per month jointly (€ 2.868 per year)
If your income increases, you receive a lower amount of benefit.
Frequently asked questions about healthcare benefit
When is healthcare benefit paid out?
The benefit is usually paid around the 20th of the month. It concerns an advance based on your expected income.
Do I sometimes have to repay healthcare benefit?
If your actual income is higher than estimated, you must repay the excess amount received. Therefore, always report changes immediately.
Can I apply for healthcare benefit retrospectively?
Yes, you can apply for healthcare benefit up to 1 September of the following year for the previous year.
Help in Rijswijk
Do you have questions about healthcare benefit or need help with the application in Rijswijk? Visit the Juridisch Loket Rijswijk for free advice. For legal issues regarding benefits, you can go to the District Court of The Hague, the district under which Rijswijk falls.
Extra questions and answers
How do I apply for healthcare benefit?
Via the Tax Authorities website, you can submit an application with your DigiD. Enter your details, income and assets. After approval, you receive a monthly advance. Keep your details up to date to avoid problems. Processing often takes a few weeks.
What if my income changes during the year?
If there is a change in income, you must report it immediately via 'My benefits' at the Tax Authorities. This prevents you from receiving too much and having to repay later or receiving too little.
How is my assets determined for healthcare benefit?
Your assets include savings, investments and any additional properties. Debts are deducted from this. Your own home and pension savings do not count. Ensure you stay below the threshold (€127.582 for singles, €161.329 with partner).
Can I get healthcare benefit as a student?
Yes, provided you are 18 years or older, have Dutch health insurance and fall within the income and asset limits. Students with a part-time job or student finance must report their income correctly. A DUO loan does not count as income, but savings do count as assets.