European Coordination Rules for Child Benefit for Residents of Den Haag
The European coordination rules for child benefit help parents in Den Haag who live, work or share their lives with expats there to retain child benefit despite residence or employment in other EU countries. This EU legislation prevents double payments and distributes the benefit fairly based on employment and residence. Particularly useful for cross-border workers around Den Haag or international families at embassies. Read our basic article on Child Benefit and Living Abroad.
Legal Basis
These rules are set out in Regulation (EC) No 883/2004 on the coordination of social security systems. Key articles:
- Article 67: Child benefit is payable by the institution in the country where the child resides, except where other priorities apply.
- Article 68: Priority where parents are employed in different EU countries.
The Implementing Regulation (EC) No 987/2009 covers details such as pro-rata distribution. In the Netherlands, the Sociale Verzekeringsbank (SVB) handles these matters. Applicable to the EU, EEA (Norway, Iceland, Liechtenstein) and Switzerland. Den Haag parents can seek advice from the Juridisch Loket Den Haag.
Scope of Application
The rules apply in cross-border situations involving the EU/EEA. Den Haag examples:
- You live in Den Haag, work in Belgium, child in Germany.
- Your child is staying with family in Spain, while you work for a Den Haag-based multinational.
- Parents work in different EU countries.
Outside the EU/EEA: bilateral agreements or Dutch rules apply. See social security outside the EU.
Priority Rules: Who Pays?
The hierarchy determines the competent Member State:
- Child's residence: That country pays in full (art. 67(1)).
- Employed parent in child's country: That country takes priority (art. 67(2)).
- Both parents in one other country: Full benefit from that country (art. 67(3)).
- Parents in different countries: Pro rata based on earnings (art. 68).
Aggregation (art. 6) combines periods for continuity.
Priority Comparison
| Situation | Competent State | Den Haag Example |
|---|---|---|
| Child lives in Den Haag, parents work locally | Netherlands (full) | Standard SVB payment. |
| Child lives in Belgium, parent works in Den Haag | Belgium (child's residence) | SVB stops; Belgium takes over. |
| Child lives in Den Haag, parent works in Belgium | Netherlands (residence) | SVB continues payment. |
| Parent 1 in Den Haag, Parent 2 in Germany, child in France | Pro rata Netherlands and Germany | Netherlands shares based on Den Haag earnings. |
Practical Examples for Den Haag
Example 1: Cross-Border Worker
Jan from Den Haag lives locally with his child but commutes to Germany. Netherlands has priority (residence), so SVB pays.
Example 2: Divorced Expats
Mother with child in Portugal (not working), father works at a Den Haag embassy in the Netherlands. Father claims via E411 from SVB.
Example 3: Pro Rata
Mother in Den Haag (€40k), father in France (€30k), child in Belgium. Pro rata: Netherlands pays 40/70 of Dutch amount, etc. Select the highest.
Rights and Obligations
Rights:
- Always at least the national amount from one state.
- Benefit is exportable within the EU.
- Highest amount where options exist (art. 68(2)).
Obligations:
- Report changes to SVB within 8 days.
- Provide: payslips, E411/E104 forms.
- No duplicate applications.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to apply in every EU country?
No, SVB coordinates via E411 from the country of residence.
Child outside the EU?
National or treaty rules apply; check with SVB or our in-depth article.
How to calculate pro rata?
(Earnings / total) x national amount; SVB handles it.
Objection to SVB decision?
Yes, within 6 weeks. Then appeal to the District Court of Den Haag. Free advice from Juridisch Loket Den Haag or our article.