Kinderbijslag

Kinderbijslag is a Dutch government allowance designed to help families with the costs of raising children. It is paid monthly by the Sociale Verzekeringsbank (SVB) for children up to the age of 18 and forms part of the Netherlands’ social security system.

To qualify, you must live in the Netherlands and have the care and custody of a child under 18. The payment usually goes to the parent or legal guardian who has primary responsibility for the child. If custody is shared or the child lives with a guardian abroad, the SVB determines who receives the benefit.

The monthly amount per child depends on the child’s age and is not means-tested; the rate is adjusted annually by the government. Families with multiple children receive a separate amount for each child. The payments are made by SVB on a regular monthly schedule.

Administration and eligibility are typically straightforward: many families are automatically entitled once the birth or custody situation is registered, but an application or a notification to SVB may be required in some cases. Applications can be made or information updated online or by phone through SVB. Current rates and conditions are published by the SVB and are subject to annual adjustment.

Kinderbijslag ends when the child turns 18. Families should inform SVB of changes in care arrangements, address, or if the child leaves the Netherlands, as these can affect eligibility. The scheme is distinct from the means-tested kindgebonden budget, which is a separate form of family support.