Raising children comes with substantial costs, but the Dutch government offers essential support through child benefits, administered by the SVB (Sociale Verzekeringsbank). This guide explains eligibility, payment amounts, application steps, and how to calculate your benefits accurately.
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The amount of child benefit you receive depends on two key factors:
Importantly, child benefit is not income-dependent. Amounts are periodically adjusted; for instance, they increased slightly from 1 July 2018.
Nearly all residents or workers in the Netherlands with children, stepchildren, or sometimes foster children under 18 qualify for child benefit from the SVB. Note that foster care allowances may affect eligibility.
Parents can apply, even if the child lives abroad in certain cases. Upon registering your first child's birth with the municipality, the SVB is notified. Expect a letter within 2-4 weeks to apply online or via form.
For subsequent children born in the Netherlands, adjustments are automatic if you're already receiving benefits—you'll receive an updated letter.
You must report the birth to the SVB yourself in these cases:
Amounts vary by child's age and residence. Benefits increase when your child turns 6 (next quarter) and again at 12. For children aged 3-18 living away due to disability, double benefits may apply. Earnings from side jobs by 16-17-year-olds can reduce amounts.
Use the free tool at oncalculate.nl to estimate quarterly child benefit. Enter your children's birth years and ages for instant results, including any overpayments or entitlements.
Entitlement starts based on birth quarter. If born after the quarter's start (e.g., April 5), first payment is the following quarter's end.
Example: Born April 5—first payment begins 1 October (Q4).
Example: Born April 1—includes Q2, paid early June (Q3 start).
Payments occur quarterly at the next quarter's start:
Q4 2018 pays in 2019. Banks must credit same-day; timing varies.
Shutterstock photo by Victoria 1
