Gezinsregeling

Gezinsregeling is a Dutch term used in policy discussions to describe a family-oriented package of rules, rights and financial support intended to organize the responsibilities and needs within households with children or other dependents. The term is applied in both public policy and, in a broader sense, organizational contexts to indicate how benefits, obligations and opportunities are distributed among family members.

In public policy, gezinsregeling includes instruments aimed at supporting families, such as child-related benefits, tax measures, childcare subsidies, parental leave arrangements, housing allowances and pension-related provisions that depend on family size and composition. The overarching goal is to reduce poverty, support child development and enable participation in work and education. The exact mix of instruments and eligibility rules can change over time and may vary by income level or household situation.

Administration and eligibility for elements of a gezinsregeling are typically handled by government agencies. In the Netherlands, this often involves the Belastingdienst (tax authorities) and the Sociale Verzekeringsbank (SVB), with means-tested criteria or requirements tied to family status. Families usually must report changes such as births, adoptions or separations to ensure entitlements remain accurate.

In the private sector, the term can also refer to family-friendly workplace policies that recognize caregiving responsibilities, including flexible working arrangements, parental leave and related benefits offered by employers.

See also: child benefit, parental leave, tax credits in the Netherlands.