To help families and single parents with the cost of raising children, the Dutch government provides a number of different schemes. This page looks at three benefits and allowances offered to families and single parents, collectively known as child benefits in the Netherlands.
The child benefit aims to help parents cover the cost of raising children by helping cover costs such as children’s clothing, food and school expenses. This is often the most important benefit for many families.
To be eligible for the allowance, you need to be registered and living in the Netherlands. In some cases, you can live in another country - if said country has a social security agreement with the Netherlands and if you are insured for the Dutch child benefit scheme (AKW).
You will continue receiving child benefit until your child turns 18. You will receive a letter informing you when your child benefit is going to stop.
The kinderbijslag is provided automatically to parents via the Sociale Verzekeringsbank (SVB). If not, you can apply for child benefit using your DigiD. If your child is born in the Netherlands, the SVB should contact you directly.
Child benefits in the Netherlands are paid out each quarter (every three months). As of January 1, 2025, the child benefit rate per quarter is as follows:
| Child's age | Amount |
|---|---|
| 0-5 years | €286,45 |
| 6-11 years | €347,83 |
| 12-17 years | €409,21 |
There are different rates for parents with handicapped children.
You may qualify for the child budget (kindgebonden budget) if you receive the child benefit and your income is under a certain level.
In order to receive the child budget, you must meet all of the following criteria:
The budget is calculated on a sliding scale, so the higher your income, the lower the amount you will receive. You can use this calculator to check if you qualify, and see how much child budget you might receive.
You do not always need to apply for the child budget. If you already receive the childcare allowance (see below), the rent allowance or the healthcare allowance, then you will receive the child budget automatically if you are entitled to it.
Otherwise, you can submit an application for the child budget via your Mijn toeslagen account. You will need to provide information about you and your partner's income. You should receive a response within five weeks.
The childcare benefit is meant to help pay for the cost of childcare for working parents and is calculated on an hourly basis.
To receive the childcare benefit, you must meet the following requirements:
The precise amount of the benefit you receive depends on your level of income, your childcare expenses and the type of childcare. In 2025, the maximum hourly rate for day care is €10,71. You can use this calculator from the Belastingdienst to work out how much you might receive.
You do not automatically receive the childcare benefit in the Netherlands; you need to apply for it via your Mijn toeslagen account. If you have checked your eligibility and are ready to proceed, you'll need to prepare the following documents for your application:
Once you have submitted your application, you should receive a response from the Belastingdienst wihin five weeks.
If you already receive childcare benefit for your older child, and you want to apply for the benefit for your younger child, then you can simply report a change via the Belastingdienst portal.
Working parents might also qualify for the income-related combination tax credit (IACK), which reduces their tax and national insurance contributions. Find out more on our tax credits in the Netherlands page.