What is kinderbijslag (child benefit) in the Netherlands and is it taxed?

Kinderbijslag is the Dutch universal child benefit paid by the SVB (Sociale Verzekeringsbank) to parents or guardians of children under 18. It is not means-tested — every family with eligible children receives it regardless of income.

For 2024, the quarterly payment is €279.49 per child under 6, €339.23 per child aged 6 to 11, and €399.02 per child aged 12 to 17. These amounts are adjusted twice a year in line with the indexation.

Kinderbijslag is not taxable income and does not need to be declared on the income tax return. It does not count towards income for toeslagen purposes either. The benefit is paid directly to the qualifying parent or guardian without any tax being withheld.

To receive kinderbijslag, at least one parent must be insured under Dutch social insurance (verzekerd voor de AKW). Most residents and workers in the Netherlands are automatically covered. Applications are made via the SVB, which also handles payments.