Everything you need to know about childcare allowance in 2027

The government reimburses up to 96% of childcare costs, up to a set maximum hourly rate. The percentage you receive depends on your income and that of your benefits partner, if applicable. In 2027, a larger group of working parents will qualify for the maximum reimbursement.

The maximum hourly rate will also increase for all types of childcare: daycare, kindergarten, after-school care and childminding.

This is good news, as Dienst Toeslagen calculates your childcare allowance based on costs up to this maximum hourly rate.

Childcare allowance is a contribution towards the childcare costs you pay as a parent.

The government sets the same maximum hourly rates for each type of childcare at every childcare provider (daycare, kindergarten, after-school care and childminding).

The amount of childcare allowance you receive varies from family to family. Dienst Toeslagen takes the following into account:

• Your income (and that of your partner, if applicable);
• The number of children you have in childcare;
• The type of childcare you use;
• The hourly rate charged by your childcare provider.

The government reimburses a maximum of 230 hours per child, per month.

You can apply for childcare allowance using your personal DigiD through Mijn Toeslagen on the website of the Dutch Tax Administration.

For your application, you will need information including:

• The childcare location’s LRK registration number;
• The hourly rate;
• The number of childcare hours;
• Your estimated annual income.

Please note:

• Apply for childcare allowance no later than 3 months after your child’s first day at childcare. If you wait longer, you may miss out on childcare allowance for previous months.
• Do you have more than 1 child attending childcare? You need to apply for childcare allowance separately for each child.

The allowance is paid into your bank account around the 20th of each month.

Has anything changed in your situation?

Your income, the number of childcare days you use or the hourly rate may change. If this happens, update your details as soon as possible. This helps ensure that your childcare allowance continues to reflect your situation and reduces the chance of having to repay money later.

The government is currently working on a new funding system for childcare.

The plan is to eventually replace the current childcare allowance system. Under the new system, the government would pay the contribution directly to childcare providers. For working parents, the amount reimbursed would then no longer depend on their income.

The aim is for the new system to come into effect in 2029. Until then, childcare allowance for parents will gradually increase. This means that the current childcare allowance system will remain in place throughout 2027.