Allowances

Childcare allowance is a financial contribution from the Dutch Tax Administration to help cover the costs of childcare (including preschool care). You may be eligible for childcare allowance if, among other things, one of the following applies:

• Two working parents or caregivers in one household, or parents/caregivers who are studying or following a work‑to‑employment programme.
• A single parent or caregiver who works, or who is studying or following a work‑to‑employment programme.
• You are following an integration course.
• You are self‑employed and your partner uses the meewerkaftrek (co‑working tax deduction).

You can apply for childcare allowance through the Dutch Tax Administration at www.toeslagen.nl. If you are eligible for childcare allowance, registration for subsidised preschool care is not possible.

How do I arrange childcare allowance

You do not receive childcare allowance automatically, you must apply for it via the Tax Administration’s allowance page. If your child later attends fewer days, make sure to report this change to the Tax Administration. If you receive too much allowance, you will need to repay the difference.