What is Child Benefit?
Child benefit is financial support from the government for the costs of raising 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 under 18 years old
- 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 in Zoetermeer?
Automatic Entitlement upon Birth
If your child is born in the Netherlands, you often do not need to do anything:
- Register the birth with the municipality of Zoetermeer
- The Social Insurance Bank (SVB) automatically receives notification
- Child benefit is granted without further action
For adoption, foster care or a child from 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 parent who cares for the child
Child Benefit in Case of Divorce
In the event of a divorce:
- The child benefit goes to the parent with whom the child primarily resides
- In shared custody, the amount may be divided
- Report changes to the SVB
Applying for Double Child Benefit
If your child requires intensive care, you may be eligible to receive double child benefit:
- The child receives intensive care at home
- The child does not reside in a care institution
- An application to the SVB is required
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 gets a job?
Child benefit continues until your child's 18th birthday, regardless of whether the child works.
Frequently Asked Questions about Child Benefit in Zoetermeer
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 translated birth certificate, along with proof of residence in the Netherlands or a treaty country. The SVB will assess your entitlement to child benefit and, if approved, pay it retroactively from the date of birth.
What to do if I do not receive child benefit after a divorce?
In the event of a divorce, the parent with whom the child resides receives the child benefit. In shared custody, division is possible. Report changes in your situation immediately to the SVB via Mijn SVB or by telephone. Clearly indicate who the custodial parent is or how the division works. This prevents issues with recoveries.
Do I get child benefit if my child moves out for studies?
Yes, child benefit continues until your child turns 18, even if living independently. The living situation does not affect your entitlement, as long as the child resides in the Netherlands or a treaty country and is maintained by you. After the 18th birthday, student financing may be an option.
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. Submit an application to the SVB with a medical certificate or proof from a care provider. The SVB will review whether you qualify and adjust the benefit accordingly.
Help and Contact in Zoetermeer
For legal questions or assistance with applying for child benefit, you can contact the Zoetermeer Legal Advice Office. For matters that go to court, Zoetermeer falls under the jurisdiction of the District Court of The Hague.