Conditions for the Child Benefit Budget in The Hague
The **child benefit budget** provides financial support to families with children in the Netherlands, including residents of The Hague. As a resident of the city, you must meet specific requirements, such as having children under 18, a moderate income and assets, and a valid residency status. These rules are governed by law and enforced by the Dutch Tax Authority. This article outlines the key conditions, along with tips for Hague residents to check their eligibility. For personalized advice, contact the **Legal Helpdesk The Hague (Juridisch Loket Den Haag)**.
What is the Child Benefit Budget?
The **child benefit budget** is an income-tested allowance designed to cover childcare and care-related expenses. The amount depends on your income, the number of children, and their ages. For example, a single parent in The Hague with a child under 6 may receive up to approximately **€1,200 per quarter**, though this decreases with higher incomes. Payments are made four times a year and target low- to middle-income households. Unlike the universal **child benefit (kinderbijslag)**, which applies to all parents, this budget is means-tested.
Legal Framework
The rules for the child benefit budget are outlined in the **General Act on Income-Related Benefits (Algemene wet inkomensafhankelijke regelingen, Awir)**, specifically **Title 3, Chapter 2**, under the **Tax Authority Benefits (Belastingdienst Toeslagen)**. Key articles include:
- Article 32 Awir: Determines eligibility for households with qualifying children.
- Article 33 Awir: Specifies which children count based on number and age.
- Article 35 Awir: Sets income and asset limits.
Key Eligibility Criteria for the Child Benefit Budget
To qualify for the child benefit budget, you must meet several requirements related to your family situation, children, and finances. Below, we explore the main conditions, tailored to scenarios in The Hague.
Child-Related Requirements
You qualify if you have at least one child meeting the following criteria:
- The child is under 18 years old.
- The child resides with you or your partner (if cohabiting or in a registered partnership).
- Foster children or children with joint custody count after **6 months of residency**; special Hague-based arrangements via the municipality may apply.
Income Criteria
The allowance depends on your income, which must not exceed certain thresholds:
- In **2023**, the upper limit for single applicants is **€35,000 per year** (taxable income).
- For couples, this limit is **€55,000**.
- Exceeding these thresholds reduces or eliminates the benefit.
Asset Criteria
Your assets (e.g., savings or investments) as of **January 1** must not exceed the following limits:
| Situation | Maximum Assets (2023) |
|---|---|
| Single | €131,000 |
| Cohabiting/Couple | €164,000 |
| Per Additional Child | + €65,000 |
Residency and Nationality Requirements
You must:
- Reside in the Netherlands with a valid address (registered in the **Personal Records Database**, via the **Municipality of The Hague**).
- Hold a **Citizen Service Number (BSN)**.
- Have a valid residency permit if you are a non-Dutch national (EU citizens and family members typically qualify; non-EU residents follow the **Aliens Act**).
Practical Examples from The Hague
**Example 1**: A single mother in The Hague with two children (ages 4 and 10), earning **€30,000** and holding **€50,000** in assets, qualifies for the full benefit—around **€1,400 per quarter**. However, if her partner moves in and the household income rises to **€60,000**, the benefit decreases due to the **€55,000 couple limit**, resulting in a lower payout.
**Example 2**: A couple with a **16-year-old child** moves to The Hague from an EU country. With a BSN and income below the threshold, they can apply. However, a second property pushing their assets over the limit disqualifies them; the **Municipality of The Hague** can assist with local registration.
Your Rights and Obligations
Rights: If you meet the conditions, you are entitled to the benefit. You can file an objection within **6 weeks** against a Tax Authority decision (**Article 6:3 General Administrative Law Act, Awb**), and escalate to the **District Court of The Hague** if necessary. Urgent cases may qualify for advance payments.
Obligations:
- Report changes (births, divorces, income shifts) within **8 weeks**.
- Use the benefit for child-related expenses; misuse results in termination.
- Repay overpayments to avoid penalties.
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.