Conditions for Childcare Benefit in The Hague
The **childcare benefit** (*kinderopvangtoeslag*) provides financial support from the Dutch Tax Authority (*Belastingdienst*) to cover costs of professional childcare, particularly relevant for working or studying parents in The Hague. To qualify, you must meet strict criteria regarding your child, personal circumstances, and the childcare provider. This benefit makes childcare more affordable in a city like The Hague, where demand is high due to its busy work environment. However, not everyone qualifies—this article outlines the requirements, tailored to local residents, so you can stay well-informed.
What Is Childcare Benefit?
This benefit reimburses part of the costs for **approved childcare**, including daycare centers, after-school care (*BSO*), or registered childminders in The Hague. The amount depends on your income, childcare hours, and local rates. For 2023, the maximum reimbursement can reach **96% for the first childcare spot** for low-income households, though this varies by case. Payments are made monthly via the Tax Authority. For residents of The Hague, it’s useful to check local childcare options through the **Municipality of The Hague**. This article complements our guide on [applying and calculating childcare benefit](/childcare-benefit-application-and-calculation).
Legal Framework
The scheme falls under the **Childcare Act** (*Wet kinderopvang*, Wk) and the **General Act on Income-Dependent Schemes** (*Algemene wet inkomensafhankelijke regelingen*, Awir). Key provisions include Articles 14–18 of the Wk for eligibility criteria and Article 2.1 of the Awir for income-dependent conditions. The Tax Authority administers the scheme and adjusts rules annually—such as the relaxations introduced in 2023 following the benefit scandal. For up-to-date information, visit the [Tax Authority’s website](https://www.belastingdienst.nl). In The Hague, you can seek free advice on changes from the **Legal Helpdesk The Hague** (*Juridisch Loket Den Haag*).
General Conditions for Childcare Benefit
Eligibility requires meeting criteria related to the child, parents, and childcare provider. Below, we outline these requirements, with attention to The Hague’s local context where relevant.
Conditions Regarding the Child
Your child must be **0–12 years old** at the start of the childcare month. For children with a **preschool education (VE) indication**—common in neighborhoods like Schilderswijk—flexible arrangements may apply. The child must reside in the Netherlands or hold a valid residence permit. Dutch nationality or legal residency typically suffices. For example, an 11-year-old in The Hague attending after-school care (*BSO*) qualifies until their 12th birthday, after which the benefit stops.
- Age: 0–12 years (or until primary school starts for toddlers).
- Residency: Registered in the **Personal Records Database** (*Basisregistratie Personen*, BRP) with the Municipality of The Hague.
- Exception: Adopted or foster children may fall under the **Youth Act** (*Jeugdwet*), with local support via the municipality.
Conditions Regarding the Parent(s)
As a parent in The Hague, you must be **working, studying, participating in a UWV program, or engaged in work-related activities**. This applies to both parents in two-parent households. You need at least **3 hours per week** of work or study for partial benefit eligibility. Single parents have more flexibility: no work requirement for children under 12, but partner status (e.g., post-divorce) must be verified. Income determines the benefit amount—exceeding approximately **€120,000 for couples in 2023** may disqualify you. For income assessments, contact the **Legal Helpdesk The Hague**.
- Work or study requirement: At least one parent must be employed (salaried, self-employed, or on benefits with obligations).
- Partner test: Both partners must qualify, except for single parents.
- Income threshold: Use the Tax Authority’s [calculation tool](https://www.belastingdienst.nl) to check eligibility.
Example: As a self-employed parent in The Hague working 20 hours weekly, with a partner employed full-time at a local company, you qualify for childcare benefit up to **230 hours per month per child**, aligned with your schedule.
Conditions Regarding Childcare
The childcare provider in The Hague must be **registered with the National Childcare Inspectorate** (*Gemeenschappelijke Kinderopvang Inspectie*, GKI) and hold a **National Childcare Register (LRK)** number. This includes local daycare centers, after-school programs, and registered childminders. Family childcare does not qualify. Ensure a written contract and keep receipts. The Municipality of The Hague provides a list of approved providers.
- Registration: Verify the LRK number on [Rijksoverheid.nl](https://www.rijksoverheid.nl).
- Contract: Must be in writing with clear hourly details.
- Exception: Expats in international areas (e.g., city center) may follow EU regulations.
Practical Examples
Example 1: Marieke, a single mother in The Hague, works 24 hours weekly and enrolls her 4-year-old in a local daycare center. She meets the criteria and receives up to **70% reimbursement** based on her €35,000 income.
Example 2: Ahmed and his partner study at The Hague University of Applied Sciences. They use a registered childminder for their baby. Study counts if documented with schedules, and the childcare must be approved.
Example 3: Unregistered childcare (e.g., informal neighborhood arrangements) **disqualifies** you. This was a key issue in the benefit scandal, where many Hague parents were wrongfully affected.
Rights and Obligations
If eligible, you’re entitled to the benefit, including recalculations for changes like a new birth. Keep documents and report updates promptly to the Tax Authority. In disputes, you may appeal to the **District Court of The Hague** or seek advice from the **Legal Helpdesk The Hague** for local support.
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.