Childcare costs explained

Childcare costs depend on several factors, such as:

• The hourly rate of the childcare provider
• The number of hours your child attends childcare
• The type of care (Daycare, Kindergarten, or After-school care)
• Any extras you choose, such as flexible or extended care
• Whether you are entitled to childcare allowance, and how much 
   

Childcare allowance is a government contribution towards your childcare costs. The amount you receive depends on your combined annual income, the number of childcare hours, and the type of care.

Since this year (2026), parents with a combined annual income of up to €56,412 are entitled to the maximum reimbursement rate of 96%. This change makes childcare more affordable for a larger group of working parents.

Maximum hourly rates for childcare allowance in 2026

The Tax Administration reimburses childcare allowance up to a set maximum hourly rate. If your childcare provider charges a higher hourly rate, you will need to pay the difference yourself.

Applying for childcare allowance

You can apply for childcare allowance online via toeslagen.nl using your DigiD.
Make sure to apply within three months after your child starts childcare. This helps you avoid missing out on part of the allowance.

Tip: You can already apply as soon as you’ve signed your childcare contract. Your child does need to have a citizen service number (BSN).

Want to learn more? Read our blog: Everything you need to know about childcare allowance in 2026.

Example of childcare costs

Noor (2 years old)
Type of care: Daycare 
Days: Monday and Wednesday 
Hours: 95.33 hours per month 
Hourly rate: €13.80 

Calculation details:
Combined annual income (parents): €70,446 
Maximum hourly rate for allowance: €11.23 

Many things are included in our rates as standard. This means you don’t have to bring supplies every day, and we can offer your child healthy meals and engaging activities.

For example:

• (Bottle) feeding, diapers, and care products 
• A daily warm, mostly organic lunch
• Activities at the group and outings 
• Tips and advice on parenting and your child’s development, via our blog, podcast, and our Pedagogical Professionals at the location 

How are the hours calculated?

• Daycare
  You pay for 11 hours per day (from 07:30 to 18:30).
• Kindergarten
  You usually pay for 4 or 5 hours per day, depending on the location’s opening hours. These can be found on the location page on our website.
• After-school care
  You pay for the hours after school until closing time (18:30). We base this on the earliest finishing time of the primary schools connected to the location.

Extended care (from 18:30 to 19:00) is billed afterwards. If you use extra childcare hours, these will also be invoiced afterwards, once the care has taken place. You are also entitled to childcare allowance for these additional hours.