Your child turns 18
Child benefit stops automatically when your child turns 18. You will of course receive a letter about this nearer the time.
When will your child benefit stop?
Child benefit is assessed according to the situation on the first day of a quarter .
If your child is 18 on the first day of the quarter, you will not receive any child benefit for that quarter.
You will still get child benefit for the entire quarter in which your child turns 18 (unless your child turns 18 on the first day of the quarter). Your last child benefit payment will be made after the end of the quarter as usual.
Checklist: when your child turns 18
Use our handy checklist to see what will change when your child turns 18.
Student finance and other benefits for students
Your child may qualify for student finance, an allowance for study costs or a healthcare benefit . Click on the item you want to know more about.
If your child is going to study at secondary vocational level (MBO), higher vocational level (HBO) or university level, they can probably get student finance from the Dutch Education Service (DUO). Student finance is financial assistance with your child’s study costs.
If your child is still under 18 when they start studying, you will continue to receive child benefit as usual. Your child benefit will stop when your child turns 18.
If your child is studying at secondary education level, for example, at VMBO, MAVO, HAVO or VWO level, they may qualify for a school study allowance (tegemoetkoming scholieren) from the Dutch Education Service (DUO).
When a child reaches the age of 18, they will have to pay for their healthcare insurance. Your child may qualify for a healthcare benefit from the Dutch Tax Administration (Belastingdienst).