European Coordination Rules for Child Benefits for Rotterdam Residents
The European coordination rules for child benefits ensure that Rotterdam residents with children in different EU countries continue to receive child benefits, even if they, their partner, or the children live or work elsewhere. This EU legislation prevents double payments and fairly distributes the benefit based on employment and residence. Useful for port workers, cross-border commuters, or expats in Rotterdam. For beginners: check out our article on Child Benefits When Living Abroad.
Legal Basis in the Netherlands
These rules are set out in Regulation (EC) No 883/2004 on the coordination of social security systems. Key articles:
- Article 67: Child benefits are provided by the institution in the child's country of residence, except in cases of priority.
- Article 68: Priority for working parents in different EU countries.
Regulation (EC) No 987/2009 covers details such as pro-rata distribution. In Rotterdam and throughout the Netherlands, the Social Insurance Bank (SVB) enforces this. Applicable to the EU, EEA (Norway, Iceland, Liechtenstein), and Switzerland. For questions: Legal Aid Rotterdam offers free help.
When Do These Rules Apply in Rotterdam?
They apply in cross-border situations within the EU/EEA. Typical cases for Rotterdam residents:
- You live in Rotterdam, work in Antwerp (Belgium), child in Germany.
- Your child stays with grandparents in Spain, you work at the Port of Rotterdam.
- Parents work in different EU countries, such as Rotterdam and Berlin.
Outside the EU/EEA: bilateral agreements or Dutch rules apply. Learn more about social security outside the EU.
Priority Rules: Which Institution Pays?
A strict order determines the paying member state:
- Child's residence first: The child's country pays in full (art. 67(1) Reg. 883/2004).
- Working parent on site: That country takes priority (art. 67(2)).
- Both parents in one other country: Full payment from there (art. 67(3)).
- Parents in different countries: Pro-rata based on earnings (art. 68).
Aggregation (art. 6) combines periods from different countries for continuity.
Overview of Priorities
| Situation | Responsible Party | Rotterdam Example |
|---|---|---|
| Child in Rotterdam, parents work locally | Netherlands (full) | Standard SVB payment. |
| Child in Belgium, parent works in Rotterdam | Belgium (child's residence) | SVB stops; Belgium takes over. |
| Child in Rotterdam, parent in Belgium | Netherlands (residence priority) | SVB continues paying, despite Belgian job. |
| Parent 1 Rotterdam, Parent 2 Germany, child France | Pro-rata NL + DE | NL shares based on Rotterdam salary. |
Practical Examples for Rotterdam
Example 1: Port Worker
Pieter from Rotterdam lives locally with his child but commutes to Germany. The Netherlands has priority (residence), so SVB pays despite German income.
Example 2: Divorced Expats
Mother with child in Portugal (non-working), father in Rotterdam. Portugal first, but father claims via E411 with SVB for Dutch priority.
Example 3: Pro-rata Couple
Mother in Rotterdam (€40k), father in France (€30k), child in Belgium. Belgium as base, NL 40/70 of NL amount, FR 30/70 of FR amount. Choose the highest.
Your Rights and Obligations
Rights:
- Always at least the national child benefit from one country.
- Benefits are exportable within the EU.
- Highest amount where options exist (art. 68(2)).
Obligations:
- Report changes within 8 days to SVB (move, job, child).
- Provide proof: salary, residence, E411/E104.
- No double-dipping; fines or repayment follow.
FAQs for Rotterdam Residents
Do I need to apply in every EU country?
No, SVB coordinates via your country of residence. Use E411 for coordination.
Child outside the EU?
National or treaty rules apply. Check with SVB or our in-depth article.
How to calculate pro-rata?
(Your earnings / total) x national amount. SVB calculates after E411.
Object to SVB decision?
Yes, within 6 weeks. Rejection? Appeal to Rotterdam District Court. Start with Legal Aid Rotterdam for free assistance. See objection and appeal.