What are Dutch toeslagen — zorgtoeslag, huurtoeslag, and kinderopvangtoeslag?

Toeslagen are means-tested government allowances administered by the Belastingdienst to help lower and middle-income households with specific costs. They are not taxable and are paid separately from income tax.

Zorgtoeslag (healthcare allowance) helps cover the cost of compulsory health insurance. For 2024, single adults can receive up to approximately €127 per month. The allowance tapers off as income rises and is eliminated above roughly €37,496 for single people or €47,368 for partners.

Huurtoeslag (rent allowance) is available to renters in the social housing sector whose rent is below the maximum social rent threshold (liberalisatiegrens). For 2024, renters with a basic annual income below approximately €25,000 (single, under 23) can receive meaningful support. Eligibility depends on rent level, income, and assets.

Kinderopvangtoeslag (childcare allowance) subsidises the cost of registered childcare for parents who work, study, or participate in integration programmes. For 2024, the government reimburses up to 96% of an hourly rate for the cheapest childcare type, depending on income. Both parents (or the single parent) must be working or studying to qualify.

All toeslagen are requested and managed via Mijn Toeslagen on the Belastingdienst website. Advance payments are made monthly, but the final amount is settled after the tax year based on actual income.