EU coordination rules for child benefit: your rights when moving within the EU
The EU coordination rules for child benefit (also known as Regulation 883/2004) determine which country is responsible for paying child benefit if you live in another EU country. These rules are intended to prevent double payments and to ensure that your child benefit is paid directly and without complications. If you live in the Netherlands but temporarily or permanently reside in another EU country, or if your child lives abroad, these rules are of great importance.
These rules apply to all EU countries, as well as to Norway, Iceland, Liechtenstein, and Switzerland. They may also apply if you work in the Netherlands but live in another EU country.
Legal basis: Regulation 883/2004
The main legislation for the coordination of social security within the EU is laid down in Regulation (EC) No 883/2004 (the EU coordination rules). This regulation determines, among other things:
- Which country is responsible for paying child benefit (art. 67).
- How you can apply for child benefit abroad.
- Whether you are entitled to child benefit if you live in another EU country.
In addition, there is Regulation (EC) No 987/2009, which regulates the practical implementation, such as applying for an E121 form (for child benefit) or an A1 form (for general social security).
When do the EU coordination rules apply?
The EU coordination rules apply in the following situations:
- You live in another EU country, but your child lives in the Netherlands. In this case, the Netherlands is often responsible for child benefit.
- You live in the Netherlands, but your child lives in another EU country. Then the country where your child lives is often responsible.
- You work in another EU country, but live in the Netherlands. Then the country where you work may be responsible for your child benefit.
- You are temporarily abroad (e.g., for work or study) and your child remains in the Netherlands. Then the Netherlands often remains responsible.
The main rule is that the country where your child lives is usually responsible for child benefit (art. 67 Regulation 883/2004). However, if there are strong ties to the Netherlands (for example, if you still live there or your child goes to school there), the Netherlands may remain responsible.
Who is responsible for your child benefit?
Responsibility for child benefit depends on the situation. In general, the following applies:
| Situation | Responsible country | Explanation |
|---|---|---|
| You live in another EU country, your child lives in the Netherlands | Netherlands | The Netherlands remains responsible if your child lives there, unless you no longer live there and your child does not go to school there either. |
| You live in the Netherlands, your child lives in another EU country | Country where your child lives | The country where your child lives is responsible, unless you have strong ties to it (e.g., you still live there or your child goes to school there). |
| You live in the Netherlands, but work in another EU country | Netherlands (usually) | If your child lives in the Netherlands, the Netherlands remains responsible, unless you live abroad and your child also lives there. |
| You are temporarily abroad (e.g., for work or study) | Netherlands | If your child lives in the Netherlands, the Netherlands remains responsible, unless you stay there for more than 3 months. |
How do you apply for child benefit abroad?
If you need to apply for child benefit in another EU country, you must first determine which country is responsible. Then you must contact the appropriate authority in that country. In the Netherlands, this is the Social Insurance Bank (SVB). In other EU countries, this is often a similar authority, such as:
- Germany: Familienkasse
- Belgium: National Office for Child Benefit
- France: Caisse d'Allocations Familiales (CAF)
- Spain: Servicio Público de Empleo Estatal (SEPE)
To apply for child benefit abroad, you may need an E121 form. This form proves that you are entitled to child benefit in the Netherlands, even if you live in another EU country. You can request this form from the <
### Arslan & Arslan Advocaten
**Arslan & Arslan Advocaten** provides professional legal guidance and support for your legal matters.
- Website: [www.arslan.nl](https://arslan.nl)
- Email: [info@arslan.nl](mailto:info@arslan.nl)
- Free initial consultation