Child Benefit Conditions for Residents of Den Haag
Child benefit provides financial support to parents or guardians of children up to 18 years old in Den Haag. The rules are outlined in the General Child Benefit Act (AKW) and focus on the child's place of residence, the parent's insurance status, and the child's age. This article discusses the tailored conditions for residents of Den Haag, so you can check if you're eligible. For any questions, contact the Legal Aid Office in Den Haag for free advice.
What is Child Benefit and Why Do the Conditions Matter for Den Haag?
Child benefit helps cover the costs of raising children and is paid quarterly, based on the number and age of your children. The conditions ensure that only residents of the Netherlands, including Den Haag, who meet them receive the benefit. Failing to comply could result in missed payments or repayments. Understanding the rules is crucial to avoid issues, especially in a city like Den Haag with many expats and cross-border workers.
The application and payment process is handled by the Social Insurance Bank (SVB). For basic information on child benefit, see our article on Child Benefit (AKW). Local assistance is available through the Municipality of Den Haag or the Legal Aid Office in Den Haag.
Legal Basis of the Conditions in Den Haag
The conditions for child benefit are set out in the General Child Benefit Act (AKW). Relevant articles include:
- Article 1 AKW: Defines what a 'child' is and who is entitled (parents or guardians in Den Haag).
- Article 3 AKW: Requires the child to reside in the Netherlands, with exceptions for children of cross-border workers in the region around Den Haag.
- Article 4 AKW: Demands that the parent is insured under national insurance schemes, such as AOW, or based on work in the Den Haag area.
- Article 6 AKW: Sets the age limit at 18 years, with extensions for students up to 20 or 21 years, relevant for young people at educational institutions in Den Haag.
- Article 13 AKW: Governs the end of entitlement, such as upon moving outside Den Haag or in case of death.
The law follows EU rules under Regulation (EC) No. 883/2004 for coordinating social security. In Den Haag, with its international character, EU rules often apply to cross-border workers.
Key Conditions for Child Benefit in Den Haag
As a resident of Den Haag, you must meet specific conditions for child benefit. Below is an overview, with attention to local situations.
1. Residence and Stay of the Child
The child must primarily reside in the Netherlands and be registered in the Basic Registration of Persons (BRP) with the Municipality of Den Haag. Exceptions apply for:
- Temporary stays abroad for study or internship (up to 1 year).
- Children of cross-border workers: If a parent works in the Netherlands and is insured, the benefit may continue for stays in the EU/EEA or Switzerland.
Practical example: You live in Den Haag and your 10-year-old child attends school in Belgium due to your temporary work there. If you maintain your Dutch insurance, you keep your child benefit. However, if you permanently relocate without cross-border worker status, it stops, unless you re-register with the Municipality of Den Haag.
2. Insurance Status of the Parent
As a parent in Den Haag, you must be insured under Dutch social insurance, for example if you:
- Live and work in Den Haag (subject to wage tax).
- Receive a benefit such as unemployment insurance, social assistance, or AOW through local authorities.
- Are a cross-border worker, employed in the Netherlands but living near Den Haag.
Without insurance, such as if you work abroad without Dutch connections, you have no entitlement. Partners may be considered in cases of shared care.
Practical example: A single parent on social assistance in Den Haag is entitled to child benefit for two children. Emigrating to Spain without work means losing the entitlement, except as a cross-border worker – consult the Legal Aid Office in Den Haag for your situation.
3. Age and Status of the Child
The child must be under 18. For students in Den Haag:
- Up to 20 years with a starting qualification (such as HAVO).
- Up to 21 years without one, for full-time MBO, HBO, or university studies.
No full-time employment (more than 50% of the minimum wage) and enrollment at a school. Adopted, foster, and disabled children also qualify.
Practical example: Your 19-year-old son is studying full-time at The Hague University of Applied Sciences and lives at home in Den Haag. Child benefit continues until his 20th birthday. If he stops studying or takes full-time work, the entitlement ends immediately.
4. Other Conditions
- Income limit: No limit for basic benefit; for students, an additional allowance if income is low (2023: €1,658 per quarter). - Multiple parents: In cases of divorce, the benefit is divided; the primary caregiver in Den Haag receives the majority. - Exceptions for disabled children: Entitlement up to 18 years, sometimes longer with intensive care through local provisions.
Rights and Obligations Regarding Child Benefit in Den Haag
Rights:
- Automatic granting upon BRP registration with the Municipality of Den Haag from birth.
- Retroactive effect up to 3 months for late applications.
- Option to object and appeal with the SVB, and subsequently with the Den Haag District Court.
Obligations: Report changes promptly to the SVB and Municipality of Den Haag to avoid repayments. For personal advice on child benefit in Den Haag, contact the Legal Aid Office in Den Haag.
Veelgestelde vragen
Wat is mijn retourrecht?
Bij online aankopen heb je 14 dagen retourrecht zonder opgaaf van reden, tenzij de wettelijke uitzonderingen gelden.
Hoe lang geldt de wettelijke garantie?
Goederen moeten minimaal 2 jaar meewerken. Defecten die binnen 6 maanden ontstaan worden verondersteld al aanwezig te zijn.
Kan ik rente eisen over schulden?
Ja, je kunt wettelijke rente eisen (momenteel ongeveer 8% per jaar) over het openstaande bedrag.
Wat kan ik doen tegen oneerlijke handelspraktijken?
Je kunt klacht indienen bij de consumentenbond, de overheid of naar de rechter gaan.
Wat is een kredietovereenkomst?
Een kredietovereenkomst regelt hoe je geld leent, wat de rente is, en hoe je dit terugbetaalt.