Healthcare allowance is financial support from the government for the costs of your health insurance. The amount of this allowance depends on your income and assets.
What is healthcare allowance?
Healthcare allowance is a contribution from the Tax and Customs Administration to ease the premium of your health insurance. In the Netherlands, everyone must have basic health insurance, and healthcare allowance partially covers the costs for people with lower income.
Conditions for healthcare allowance in 2024
- You are at least 18 years old
- You have health insurance in the Netherlands
- You are a Dutch citizen or have a valid residence permit
- Your income is below a certain limit (see table)
- Your assets do not exceed the permitted limit (see table)
Income limits 2024
| Situation | Maximum annual income |
|---|---|
| Single | € 37.496 |
| With allowance partner | € 47.368 (jointly) |
Asset limits 2024
| Situation | Maximum assets |
|---|---|
| Single | € 127.582 |
| With allowance partner | € 161.329 (jointly) |
Amount of the healthcare allowance
The maximum healthcare allowance for 2024 is:
- Single: € 123 per month (€ 1.476 per year)
- With partner: € 239 per month jointly (€ 2.868 per year)
If your income increases, you receive a lower amount of allowance.
Frequently asked questions about healthcare allowance
When is the healthcare allowance paid out?
The payment of healthcare allowance usually takes place around the 20th of each month. You receive an advance based on your expected income.
Do I sometimes have to repay healthcare allowance?
If your actual income turns out higher than estimated, you must repay the excess amount received. Therefore, report changes immediately to the Tax and Customs Administration.
Can I apply for healthcare allowance retroactively?
Yes, you can apply for healthcare allowance up to 1 September of the year following the allowance year.
How do I apply for healthcare allowance in Westland?
You can apply for healthcare allowance via the Tax and Customs Administration website using your DigiD. Fill in your personal details, income and assets on the form. After approval, you receive a monthly advance. Keep your details up to date to avoid problems. The processing time is usually a few weeks.
What if my income changes?
In case of a change in income, either up or down, you must report this immediately via 'My Allowances'. This helps prevent having to repay a large amount later or missing out on allowance. The Tax and Customs Administration adjusts your allowance amount based on the new situation.
How are my assets determined?
For healthcare allowance, assets such as savings, investments and second homes are included. Debts are deducted from this. Your own home and pension savings are not included. Ensure you stay below the limit (€127,582 for singles, €161,329 with partner) to receive allowance.
Do students in Westland receive healthcare allowance?
Yes, students aged 18 and older with Dutch health insurance can receive healthcare allowance, provided they meet the income and asset limits. Income from part-time jobs or student finance must be reported. Note: a DUO loan does not count as income, but savings do count as assets.
What is an allowance partner and what does this mean?
An allowance partner is someone with whom you live together or are married and with whom you share financial obligations. Your incomes and assets are combined, which affects the amount of the allowance. With a partner, you can receive a higher amount, but the income and asset limits are also higher.
Healthcare allowance when living abroad
If you live abroad but have Dutch health insurance and meet the conditions, you can apply for healthcare allowance. You must be tax liable in the Netherlands. Notify the Tax and Customs Administration of your foreign address to prevent payment issues.
What to do if I do not receive healthcare allowance?
First check your application status via 'My Allowances'. If there is no payment, this may be due to an error in your details or a delay. Contact the Tax and Customs Administration by phone or chat and have your BSN and application number at hand for a quick solution.
Extra help in Westland
For legal questions about healthcare allowance, you can go to the Juridisch Loket Westland. They offer free advice and support. In addition, Westland falls under the jurisdiction of the District Court of The Hague for any legal proceedings.