Healthcare allowance is a financial contribution from the government for your health insurance costs. The amount and eligibility are determined by your income and assets.
What is healthcare allowance?
Healthcare allowance is support from the Tax Authorities to partially cover the premium of your health insurance. In the Netherlands, everyone must have basic health insurance, and healthcare allowance helps people with lower incomes to bear these costs.
Conditions for healthcare allowance 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 does not exceed the limit (see table)
- Your assets are below the set limit (see table)
Income limits 2024
| Situation | Maximum income limit |
|---|---|
| Single | € 37,496 |
| With allowance partner | € 47,368 (jointly) |
Asset limits 2024
| Situation | Maximum permitted assets |
|---|---|
| Single | € 127,582 |
| With allowance partner | € 161,329 (jointly) |
How much healthcare allowance do you receive?
The maximum amounts for healthcare allowance in 2024 are:
- Single: € 123 per month (€ 1,476 annually)
- With partner: € 239 per month jointly (€ 2,868 annually)
If your income increases, you receive a lower allowance amount.
Frequently asked questions about healthcare allowance
When is healthcare allowance paid out?
The payout usually takes place around the 20th of the month. You receive an advance based on your expected income.
Do I have to repay healthcare allowance?
If your income turns out higher than estimated, you may have to repay part of it. Therefore, always report changes immediately.
Can I apply for healthcare allowance retroactively?
Yes, until 1 September of the year following the allowance year, you can submit an application.
Practical questions and answers
How can I apply for healthcare allowance in Zoetermeer?
Go to the Tax Authorities website and log in with your DigiD. Fill in your personal details, income, and assets on the form. After approval, you will 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?
Report a change in income immediately via 'My Allowances' at the Tax Authorities. This prevents you from having to repay later or missing out on allowance. Your monthly amount will then be adjusted.
How is my assets determined?
Your assets include savings, investments, and possibly a second home. Debts are deducted. Your own home and pension do not count. Ensure you stay below the limit (€127,582 single, €161,329 with partner).
Do students in Zoetermeer receive healthcare allowance?
Yes, provided you are 18 or older, have Dutch health insurance, and fall within the income and asset limits. Correctly report your income from part-time jobs or student finance. A DUO loan does not count as income, but savings do count as assets.
What does an allowance partner mean for my allowance?
An allowance partner is someone you live with or are married to and share financial obligations with. Your incomes and assets are combined, which affects the allowance. With a partner, you can receive more allowance, but the limits are also higher.
Healthcare allowance when living abroad?
With Dutch health insurance and if you meet the conditions, you can apply for allowance, even from abroad. You must be tax liable in the Netherlands. Report your foreign address to the Tax Authorities.
Not receiving allowance despite entitlement?
Check your application status via 'My Allowances'. If payment is delayed, there may be an error in your details or a delay. Contact the Tax Authorities and have your BSN and application number ready. For help in Zoetermeer, you can also go to the Juridisch Loket Zoetermeer.
In summary
Healthcare allowance helps pay for your health insurance and depends on income and assets. For questions or legal support, you can contact the Juridisch Loket Zoetermeer or submit matters to the Rechtbank Den Haag.