If you work in the Netherlands and your children live here or in your home country, you may be entitled to child benefits or other allowances in some cases. This can be an important financial support for families living in the Netherlands or where a parent works here. But how does it work for migrant workers? And how do you apply for it? In this blog, Charlie works explains it step by step.
Child Benefits in the Netherlands
Child benefits are a financial contribution from the Dutch government to help with the costs of raising children. This scheme is administered by the Social Insurance Bank (SVB).
You are entitled to child benefits if:
- You live or work in the Netherlands,
- Your children are under 18 years old,
- And you pay premiums for Dutch national insurance.
Even if your children live in another EU country, you may often be entitled to (partial) child benefits. This depends on your personal situation and whether your partner also works.
More information can be found at SVB – Child Benefits.
How Do You Apply for Child Benefits?
If you work through Charlie works, you are usually automatically registered with the Dutch authorities. However, you must apply for child benefits yourself. Here’s how:
- Make sure you are registered with the municipality: You need a BSN (Citizen Service Number).
- Create a DigiD: With DigiD, you can securely log in to government websites. Learn how it works at www.digid.nl.
- Go to the SVB website: Log in via My SVB with your DigiD.
- Fill in the child benefits application: Provide the details of your children, even if they live in another country.
After your application, you will receive a notification from the SVB. If you are entitled to child benefits, you will receive it four times a year.
Other Allowances in the Netherlands
In addition to child benefits, there are other allowances that migrant workers may be entitled to, depending on their income and living situation:
- Healthcare allowance: a contribution towards the costs of your health insurance.
- Housing allowance: if you rent in the Netherlands and meet certain conditions.
- Child budget: an additional contribution for families with children, in addition to child benefits.
These allowances are paid by the Tax and Customs Administration Allowances.
How Do You Apply for Allowances?
You apply for allowances yourself via My Allowances on www.toeslagen.nl. You also need a
- Your income in the Netherlands;
- Your rental costs (if you apply for housing allowance);
- Your family composition (for child or healthcare allowances).
The Tax and Customs Administration checks whether you meet the conditions. After that, you will automatically receive the amount in your account every month.
How Does Charlie works Help?
At Charlie works, we understand that applying for allowances and child benefits in a new country can be complicated. That’s why we’re happy to help you get started:
- We explain which documents you need, such as your BSN and DigiD.
- We help you understand which allowances suit your situation.
- We can explain how to submit an application and where to go with questions.
This way, you know exactly what to do to arrange everything properly and not miss out on money you are entitled to.
Conclusion
Child benefits and allowances can make a significant difference for families working in or temporarily staying in the Netherlands. With a DigiD and the right registration, you can arrange a lot yourself online via the SVB or the Tax and Customs Administration. If you work through Charlie works, we are ready to help you understand the rules and submit your application.
Start Working without Worries
At Charlie works, we guide international employees daily as they start in the Netherlands, from housing and insurance to allowances and administration. Do you want to work in the Netherlands and make sure everything is well arranged? Check out our vacancies at Charlie works and start your new job without worries.
