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Receive child benefit? What are you using it for this time?

You have recently received child benefit again, if all is well. Time to shop or go to the hairdresser 😉 . Just without madness. One uses his child benefit to replenish the wardrobe. or buy a new pair of shoes The other uses the child benefit for extras such as going out for a nice meal or an extra present in between. You should know for yourself what child benefit is used for, but it is not called 'child benefit' for nothing. The child benefit is of course intended to supplement the costs that you incur if you have children. Costs that someone without children does not have.

But you can use the child benefit for something else. Just how it suits you. You don't have to discuss the expenses you make, barring exceptional cases. What do you use the child benefit for? And how much are you entitled to?

Table of contents

What is child benefit for and when?

All parents with children up to the age of 17 are entitled to child benefit for that child. Also for each child individually. So if you have 3 children, you are also entitled to child benefit for 3 children. The amount of the amounts varies. Depending on the age of your child, you will receive a certain amount of child benefit. The child benefit does not depend on your income. Everyone receives the same amount.

How much child benefit will I receive?

  • Children from 0-5 years old; you will receive approximately € 198,-
  • Children from 6 -12 years old; you will receive approximately € 240,-
  • Children from 13 to 17 years old; you will receive approximately € 283,-

If your child turns 18, you will unfortunately no longer receive child benefit. In certain cases, you may no longer receive child benefit if your child is younger than 18. More information about this can be found here.

How do I apply for child benefit?

You do not have to apply for child benefit yourself. If you declare this at the town hall after the birth of your child, the municipality will immediately ensure that the data is passed on. You will then automatically receive the child benefit.

But what do you actually use child benefit for?

The child benefit is definitely intended for clothing. Bills from school, clubs and everything that has to do with your children. But maybe you really need the child benefit for a birthday present from your child or for the month of December. Also good of course.

What if you only just manage to get by with that child benefit? Or not?

You can of course imagine that the child benefit will give you some 'extra air' at that moment. But it is even better to be smart with your child benefit so that you benefit more from it. So here are 5 tips to get more benefit from your child benefit:

1. A separate account

Put your child benefit in a separate account so that it does not go into your household account. You probably know the thought. You check your balance and think to yourself:Well, I'm still in good shape. Only to find out at a later time that this includes hundreds of euros in child benefit …. and you just needed it for something else.

2. Create an overview of the costs

Make an overview of the costs for the coming months. What do you really need?
What can be done less? Make a distinction between NEED and NICE, so that it is really necessary or just fun.
Distribute the child benefit over the extra expenses. So much for clothes, so much for the December month etcetera. In this way you prevent child benefit from being spent on 'unnecessary' matters.

3. Save on your child benefit expenses the smart way

Buy matching cardigans, tights or thick leggings from your child support to turn your child's summer wardrobe into a winter wardrobe. A few nice accessories can make all the difference. This is especially recommended for young children. They grow out of it so quickly, but a shirt with short sleeves can last another season!

4. Selling toys and clothes

Sell ​​the toys and clothing  that is no longer used. Make it a sport with your children. This way they immediately learn that getting rid of them also has positive effects. Perhaps you can spend the amount on a wish from the children. This in turn saves money from your child benefit, so that you can use it elsewhere.

5. Don't be fooled

Don't be fooled by commercials and the more, more, more effect. The more stuff you have, the more work. And we already have enough work.

Consider what you will use your child benefit for

Did we make you think? Good! Grab a cup of coffee or tea and think about how you want to tackle it concretely and what you want to spend your child benefit on. Don't have time now? Schedule it for next week. Overview gives inner peace. Enjoy.

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