What is childcare allowance?
Childcare allowance is a financial contribution toward the childcare costs you pay as a parent.
The government sets the same maximum hourly rates for every childcare organisation and type of care (Daycare, Kindergarten, After-school care and Childminding).
Childcare allowance 2025
The maximum hourly rates in 2025 are:
- €10,71 for Daycare
- €9,52 for After-school care
- €8,10 for Childminding.
Childcare allowance 2026
The maximum hourly rates in 2026 are:
- €11,23 for Daycare
- €9,98 for After-school care
- €8,49 for Childminding
More parents entitled to a 96% reimbursement in 2026
For 2026, the government has invested an additional €199 million in childcare allowance.
In 2025, parents with a combined taxable income of up to €47,403 are already entitled to the maximum reimbursement percentage of 96%.
Starting in 2026, parents with a combined income of up to €56,412 will qualify for this maximum percentage. Thanks to this change, childcare becomes more affordable for a larger group of working parents.
How much childcare allowance will I receive?
The amount of childcare allowance you receive differs per family. It depends on:
- Your (and your partner’s) income
- The number of children attending childcare
- The type of childcare
- The hourly rate of the childcare provider
The government reimburses a maximum of 230 hours per child per month.
Calculating your 2026 childcare allowance
With our calculation tool, you can easily calculate the childcare allowance you are entitled to. This shows you right away what your net childcare costs will be.
Am I entitled to childcare allowance?
There are several requirements that both you and your childcare must meet to qualify for childcare allowance.
1. The childcare is officially registered
Is your childcare provider listed in the National Childcare Register? Then it is officially recognised, and you are eligible for childcare allowance. You can receive this allowance for Kindergartens, Daycares, After-school care, and Childminding services.
2. Both parents are working, studying, or following a reintegration programme
If you or your partner do not have a job, you may still receive allowance if you are enrolled in a government-recognised educational programme or following a reintegration programme. You are also eligible if you are taking a mandatory integration course at a certified institution.
3. Both parents hold Dutch nationality
Or you have a valid residence permit.
When should I apply for childcare allowance for 2026?
You must apply for childcare allowance within 3 months after your child’s first day at childcare. If you apply later, you will not receive allowance for the first 3 months of care.
How do I apply for childcare allowance?
You apply for childcare allowance using your personal DigiD, via “Mijn Toeslagen” (my allowances) on the website of the Dutch Tax Authority. Important to know: you must submit a separate application for each of your children. The allowance is deposited into your bank account around the 20th of each month.
Arranging your childcare allowance at CompaNanny
Is your child attending CompaNanny? Then you can immediately calculate your net childcare costs for 2026 using our calculation tool.
At several of our locations, it is possible to have your allowance paid directly to CompaNanny. This means your invoice will already show the amount you pay after the childcare allowance has been deducted. In our FAQ under “Prices”, you will find an overview of the locations where this is possible and how it works.
Childcare costs at CompaNanny
Would you like more insight into your childcare costs? You can find all the information on our childcare costs page.