KNM: Social Security System
The Netherlands has an extensive social security system that provides a safety net for residents. This includes: healthcare allowance (zorgtoeslag), housi...
The Netherlands has an extensive social security system that provides a safety net for residents. This includes: healthcare allowance (zorgtoeslag), housing benefit (huurtoeslag), child benefit (kinderbijslag), and child-related budget (kindgebonden budget). These 'toeslagen' help with costs of living.
| English | Dutch | Who Qualifies |
|---|---|---|
| Healthcare allowance | Zorgtoeslag | Low/middle income, pays for insurance |
| Housing benefit | Huurtoeslag | Renters with low income |
| Child benefit | Kinderbijslag | All parents with children under 18 |
| Child-related budget | Kindgebonden budget | Low/middle income with children |
| State pension | AOW | Everyone from retirement age |
| Student finance | Studiefinanciering | Students in higher education |
| Benefit Detail | Dutch | What to Remember |
|---|---|---|
| Child benefit organization | SVB | The Social Insurance Bank handles kinderbijslag and AOW |
| Child benefit timing | Kinderbijslag per kwartaal | Child benefit is paid for children under 18, usually each quarter |
| Healthcare allowance | Zorgtoeslag | Apply through the Tax Office; amount depends on income |
| Rent allowance | Huurtoeslag | For some renters with lower income and suitable rent |
| Report changes | Wijziging doorgeven | Report income or household changes quickly to avoid paying money back |
Examples
- Krijg je zorgtoeslag?
- Do you receive healthcare allowance?
- Je kunt toeslagen aanvragen bij de Belastingdienst.
- You can apply for benefits at the Tax Office.
- Kinderbijslag is voor alle ouders.
- Child benefit is for all parents.
- De AOW begint bij de pensioenleeftijd.
- The state pension starts at retirement age.
Study note
Apply for toeslagen through the Belastingdienst (Tax Office) website or with DigiD. Be careful: if your income changes, report it immediately! Getting too much toeslag means you'll have to pay it back. The Tax Office sends a 'jaaropgave' each year to check your toeslag amounts.
Practice after reading
Train knowledge of Dutch society with timed KNM practice questions.