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🇳🇱 EU / International

Toeslagen (Netherlands)

Dutch Housing, Healthcare & Childcare Allowances

Medium ~15 min BenefitsNetherlandsHousingHealthcare

/ What is this form?

Toeslagen are income-dependent allowances from the Dutch tax authority (Belastingdienst) to help with housing, healthcare, and childcare costs. There are four main types: zorgtoeslag (healthcare), huurtoeslag (housing), kinderopvangtoeslag (childcare), and kindgebonden budget (child budget).

All allowances are based on estimated annual income, which must be kept up to date throughout the year. After year-end, the Belastingdienst calculates actual entitlement — overpayments must be repaid, underpayments are topped up.

Apply via the Belastingdienst toeslagen portal using DigiD. Applications take effect from the month you apply — retroactive claims are generally not possible.

/ Who needs this form?

  • Dutch residents with low to middle income renting housing (huurtoeslag)
  • Anyone with mandatory Dutch health insurance (zorgtoeslag)
  • Parents using registered childcare (kinderopvangtoeslag)
  • Families with children below income thresholds (kindgebonden budget)

/ What you need before you start

DigiD (and BSN)
Estimated annual household income
BSN numbers of all household members
Rental contract (for huurtoeslag)
Childcare contract and childcare registration (for kinderopvangtoeslag)

/ Step-by-step guide

1 Get DigiD
You need a DigiD to apply online via the Belastingdienst portal. Apply at digid.nl first if you don't have one.
2 Apply via Belastingdienst Portal
Log in to mijn.toeslagen.nl with your DigiD and apply for relevant allowances.
3 Estimate Annual Income
Enter your expected annual household income. This determines the allowance amount — you must update it if your income changes.
4 Provide Supporting Details
For kinderopvangtoeslag: provide your childcare contract. For huurtoeslag: provide your rental contract.
5 Receive Monthly Payments
Allowances are paid monthly. Actual entitlement is calculated after the year ends — repayments or top-ups may be required.

/ Key fields explained

Field What to enter Common mistake
Toetsingsinkomen Your estimated annual taxable income for the year, including income from both partners if applicable. Setting income too low and then not updating it — this leads to large repayments after year-end reconciliation.

/ Common mistakes to avoid

Not updating income estimates during the year — the most common cause of large repayments.
Forgetting to include partner's income in the household income estimate.
Not applying until partway through the year — you cannot claim retroactively.
Applying for huurtoeslag for a property that doesn't qualify (check with Belastingdienst).

/ Frequently asked questions

What is zorgtoeslag?

A monthly allowance to help pay for mandatory Dutch health insurance. Maximum ~€175/month for singles (2024). Apply if your income is roughly below €38,000 for singles.