Kindgebonden budget (child benefit) is a Dutch government benefit that helps parents cover the cost of raising children. In 2026, eligible families can receive up to €6,539 per child per year, with extra amounts for older children and single parents.
If you're raising children in the Netherlands and your income isn't too high, you likely qualify. Here's everything you need to know.
What is Kindgebonden Budget?
Kindgebonden budget is a means-tested benefit that supports families with children under 18. Unlike kinderbijslag (child allowance, which everyone gets), kindgebonden budget depends on your income, vermogen (wealth), and family composition.
Key facts:
- Paid monthly by Dienst Toeslagen
- Available for children under 18 years old
- Higher for single parents and older children
- No fixed income limit — varies by family situation
- 2026 applications open until 31 December 2026
Who Qualifies for Kindgebonden Budget 2026?
You qualify if you meet all five conditions:
- You receive kinderbijslag (child allowance) from SVB
- You have at least one child under 18 (including stepchildren, foster children, or adopted children)
- You substantially support the child — meaning you cover nearly all living costs
- Your income is not too high (see below)
- Your vermogen is below the cap (see below)
Income Limits 2026
There's no single income threshold — it depends on your situation. The table below shows approximate maximum income for families with children under 12:
| Number of children | Single parent | Couple |
|---|---|---|
| 1 child | €106,500 | €72,000 |
| 2 children | €139,500 | €105,000 |
| 3 children | €172,500 | €138,000 |
For older children (12-17), the limits are higher because you receive more kindgebonden budget.
Use the Official Calculator
The easiest way to check your eligibility is with the Belastingdienst proefberekening tool. It shows exactly how much you'll receive.
Vermogen (Wealth) Limits 2026
Your total net wealth on 1 January 2026 must be below:
- €146,011 (single parents)
- €184,633 (couples/partners)
What counts as vermogen:
- Bank accounts, savings accounts, cash
- Stocks, bonds, crypto, other investments
- Second homes, vacation properties
- Money loaned to others
What doesn't count:
- Your primary residence (eigen woning)
- Mortgage debt on your primary home
- The first €3,800 of other debts (schuldendrempel)
Child's vermogen: If your child is under 18 and has their own vermogen (inheritance, savings), it also counts toward your family's total.
Report Vermogen Changes
If you already receive kindgebonden budget and your vermogen goes above the limit on 1 January 2026, report it immediately via Mijn Toeslagen. Otherwise you'll have to repay everything at the end of the year.
How Much Will You Receive?
Maximum Amounts 2026
The base kindgebonden budget for each child is:
- €2,580 per child per year (€215/month)
Extra amounts:
- +€703 for children aged 12-15
- +€936 for children aged 16-17
- +€3,320 for single parents (alleenstaande ouders)
Examples:
| Family type | Children | Maximum annual amount |
|---|---|---|
| Single parent | 1 child (age 8) | €5,900 (€2,580 + €3,320 single bonus) |
| Couple | 2 children (ages 5, 7) | €5,160 (€2,580 × 2) |
| Single parent | 1 child (age 14) | €6,603 (€2,580 + €703 + €3,320) |
| Couple | 1 child (age 17) | €3,516 (€2,580 + €936) |
| Single parent | 3 children (ages 9, 13, 16) | €10,119 (€2,580 × 3 + €703 + €936 + €3,320) |
How Kindgebonden Budget is Calculated
- Start with the maximum amount based on your family composition
- Subtract income phase-out: If your income exceeds the threshold (€29,736 for singles, €39,141 for couples), the benefit decreases by 7.6% for every euro above the threshold
- Check vermogen: If your vermogen exceeds the cap, you get nothing
Toetsingsinkomen — What Counts as Income?
Dienst Toeslagen uses your toetsingsinkomen from your tax return — this includes salary, benefits, rental income, and Box 3 (vermogensrendementsheffing). Your child's income doesn't count. Read more: Toetsingsinkomen 2026
Who Counts as a Toeslagpartner?
If you share a home with someone who isn't your minor child, they usually count as your toeslagpartner — even if you're not married or in a registered partnership.
This includes:
- Your spouse or registered partner
- A romantic partner you live with
- Sometimes: adult children, siblings, or other family you live with
Why it matters: Your toeslagpartner's income and vermogen also count. This often reduces or eliminates your kindgebonden budget.
Exceptions: If your partner is in detention (prison, TBS) for more than 3 months, you can request they not be counted as your toeslagpartner starting in 2026.
Use the Belastingdienst partner checker to see if someone counts as your toeslagpartner.
Changes in 2026
Higher for Low Incomes
Kindgebonden budget increases slightly in 2026 for:
- Single parents earning up to €29,736
- Couples earning up to €39,141
Lower for High Incomes
If your income is above those thresholds, you'll receive slightly less in 2026 than in 2025 due to higher afbouw (phase-out) rates.
Application Deadline Extended
You can now apply for 2025 kindgebonden budget until 31 December 2026 (previously 1 September 2026).
New: Partner in Detention
If your toeslagpartner is in detention for longer than 3 months, you can request they be excluded from your toeslagen calculation. This may increase your benefit.
How to Apply
If You Already Receive Other Toeslagen
Dienst Toeslagen automatically checks if you qualify for kindgebonden budget. If they haven't reached out and you think you qualify, log in to Mijn Toeslagen and check your eligibility.
If You Don't Receive Any Toeslagen Yet
- Go to Dienst Toeslagen
- Click Aanvragen (Apply)
- Log in with DigiD
- Complete the application form
- Provide bank details (IBAN)
You'll usually receive your first payment within 8 weeks.
Already Receiving Kinderbijslag?
If you receive kinderbijslag but not kindgebonden budget, check if your income dropped recently (job loss, reduced hours, parental leave). Your situation may have changed — reapply via Mijn Toeslagen.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
1. Not Reporting Vermogen Changes
If your vermogen exceeds the cap on 1 January, you must report it immediately. Failing to do so means you'll have to repay all benefits received that year — potentially thousands of euros.
2. Forgetting to Apply After Separation
After a divorce or breakup, only one parent can receive kindgebonden budget — usually whoever receives the kinderbijslag. If you're now a single parent, you may qualify for the €3,320 single parent bonus. Reapply immediately.
3. Not Updating Income Changes
If your income increases significantly (promotion, second job, rental income), report it via Mijn Toeslagen. Otherwise you risk receiving too much and having to repay later with interest.
4. Missing the Deadline
You can apply for 2026 kindgebonden budget until 31 December 2026. Don't wait — applying late means missing months of payments you're entitled to.
5. Thinking Green Investments Don't Count
Groene beleggingen (green investments) are tax-free in Box 3, but they still count toward your vermogen cap for toeslagen. Converting regular investments to green ones won't help you qualify.
Special Situations
Co-Parenting (Co-Ouderschap)
When parents share custody equally, only one parent can receive kindgebonden budget — whoever receives the kinderbijslag.
Strategy: Run the proefberekening for both parents. Often the parent with the lower income receives more kindgebonden budget. But if they have a new partner, the combined income may reduce it. Choose strategically.
Blended Families (Samengesteld Gezin)
If you and your partner both have children from previous relationships, only one of you can receive kindgebonden budget for all children. Who qualifies depends on complex rules — check the Belastingdienst page on samengestelde gezinnen.
Living Abroad or Working Abroad
You may still qualify if you:
- Work in the Netherlands but live in an EU/EEA country
- Are posted abroad temporarily by a Dutch employer
- Receive Dutch kinderbijslag
Check the international toeslagen rules on the Belastingdienst website.
What Happens in 2027?
Bad news: The government announced that kindgebonden budget will decrease for higher-income families in 2027.
Changes:
- Steeper afbouw (phase-out) — benefit decreases faster as income rises
- Lower vermogen caps (exact amounts not yet published)
- Fewer families will qualify
If you're close to the income or vermogen limits, expect to receive less or nothing starting 1 January 2027.
Tools to Help You
1. Calculate Your Toeslagen
Use the Bowie Tax tool to estimate your 2026 tax return and toeslagen eligibility. It includes:
- Kindgebonden budget calculator
- Zorgtoeslag calculator
- Full income tax projection
2. Belastingdienst Proefberekening
The official proefberekening tool gives exact amounts based on your income, vermogen, and family composition.
3. Mijn Toeslagen
Log in to Mijn Toeslagen to:
- Check your current toeslagen
- Report changes (income, address, family)
- Apply for new toeslagen
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I get kindgebonden budget if I don't work?
A: Yes — there's no work requirement. As long as your income is low enough and your vermogen is below the cap, you qualify.
Q: Does my child's savings account count toward the vermogen limit?
A: Yes, if the child is under 18. Minors' vermogen is added to the family total.
Q: I forgot to apply for 2024. Can I still get it?
A: No. The deadline for 2024 was 31 August 2025. You can still apply for 2025 until 31 December 2026.
Q: I received too much kindgebonden budget last year. What happens?
A: Dienst Toeslagen will send a terugvorderingsbrief (reclaim letter). You'll have to repay the excess, usually via installments. Respond quickly to avoid penalties.
Q: My ex-partner receives kindgebonden budget but I have the kids most of the time. Can I change it?
A: Yes, if you now receive the kinderbijslag. Contact SVB to transfer kinderbijslag to you, then apply for kindgebonden budget via Dienst Toeslagen.
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