Conditions for the Child Benefit Budget for Rotterdam Residents

The **Child Benefit Budget** provides financial support to families with children in Rotterdam and across the Netherlands. As a Rotterdam resident, you may qualify for this allowance if you meet the requirements, such as having children under 18, a moderate income and assets, and a valid residence status. While the Dutch Tax Authority (Belastingdienst) verifies these conditions, the **Legal Helpdesk Rotterdam (Juridisch Loket Rotterdam)** is an excellent first point of contact for personalized advice. This article outlines the key eligibility criteria, tailored to the local context, so Rotterdam residents can assess their qualification.

What Is the Child Benefit Budget?

The **Child Benefit Budget** is an income-tested benefit designed to cover childcare and upbringing costs for families, particularly useful for Rotterdam households in neighborhoods like Charlois or Feijenoord. The amount depends on your income, the number of children, and their ages. For example, a single parent with a child under 6 may receive up to **€1,200 per quarter**, with the benefit decreasing as income rises. Paid in four installments annually, it targets low- and middle-income families in the city. Unlike the universal child benefit (*kinderbijslag*), this allowance is means-tested.

Legal Basis

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**, administered by the Tax Authority’s Benefits Division. Key articles include:

Article 32 Awir: Determines eligibility for households with qualifying children.
Article 33 Awir: Specifies requirements regarding the number and age of children.
Article 35 Awir: Defines income and asset thresholds.

This law aligns with the **Participation Act (Participatiewet)** and the **Childcare Act (Wet kinderopvang)**, with annual adjustments for inflation. Check the Tax Authority’s website for current rates. Report changes—such as moving within Rotterdam or a new birth—within the deadline set by **Article 52 Awir** to avoid repayment claims. The Municipality of Rotterdam offers additional support through local welfare programs.

Key Eligibility Criteria for the Child Benefit Budget

To qualify for the Child Benefit Budget in Rotterdam, your household must meet several criteria related to your family, children, and finances. Below are the most important requirements, with a local perspective.

Child-Related Requirements

You qualify with at least one child who meets the following:

The child is under 18 years old.
The child lives with you or your partner (including cohabiting or registered partnerships).
Foster children or children with shared custody are counted after at least 6 months of residence—relevant for Rotterdam foster families.

The benefit increases with more children, and older children (from age 12) qualify for a higher amount due to higher care costs.

Income Requirements

The benefit amount depends on your household income, which must not exceed the following thresholds:

For single parents in 2023: **maximum €35,000 annual taxable income**.
For couples: **€55,000**.
Exceeding these limits reduces or eliminates the benefit.

Income is based on your tax return from two years prior. Report changes promptly, especially for Rotterdam residents with port or industrial sector jobs.

Asset Test

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

Your primary residence and household furnishings in Rotterdam **do not** count toward this limit. Exceeding it results in loss of the benefit.

Residency and Nationality

You must meet the following:

Reside in the Netherlands with a registered address in Rotterdam (via the **Population Register, Basisregistratie Personen**).
Hold a **Citizen Service Number (BSN)**.
Possess a valid residence permit; EU citizens and family members typically qualify automatically, while non-EU residents must comply with the **Aliens Act (Vreemdelingenwet)**.

Rotterdam residents with dual nationality may retain limited eligibility; the **Legal Helpdesk Rotterdam** assists with complex cases.

Rotterdam-Specific Examples

**Example 1:** A single father in Rotterdam-South with two children (ages 4 and 10), earning €30,000 annually and holding €50,000 in assets, qualifies for the full benefit of approximately **€1,400 per quarter**. However, if he moves in with a partner, their combined income of €60,000 exceeds the €55,000 couple threshold, reducing the benefit. **Example 2:** An EU family relocates to Rotterdam with a 16-year-old and registers with the municipality. With a BSN and income below the threshold, they qualify—unless a second property pushes their assets over the limit, disqualifying them.

Rights and Obligations

Rights: If you meet the criteria, you are entitled to the benefit. You can lodge an objection against the Tax Authority’s decisions within **6 weeks** (**Article 6:3 General Administrative Law Act, Awb**), or claim an interim payment in urgent cases. In Rotterdam, seek legal assistance from the **Legal Helpdesk Rotterdam** or **Rotterdam District Court**. Obligations:

Report changes (e.g., birth, divorce, income shifts) within **8 weeks**.
Use the benefit for child-related expenses; misuse may lead to suspension.
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.