Childcare allowance
![Child colouring.](https://assets.plaece.nl/thumb/vwwNewFRHaADAn_NsEXd8AQWy8YmFbd2eFA154mBqtY/resizing_type:fit/width:960/height:0/gravity:sm/enlarge:0/aHR0cHM6Ly9hc3NldHMucGxhZWNlLm5sL2t1bWEtbGVpZGVuL3VwbG9hZHMvbWVkaWEvNjIxNGViNTllZjRiMy9jaGlsZGNhcmUtYWxsb3dhbmNlLmpwZw.jpg)
If your child goes to a childcare centre or is taken care of by a self-employed childminder you may be entitled to Childcare Allowance.
The Dutch government intends to help both parents join the workforce to earn income. If your child goes to a childcare centre (kinderopvang) or is taken care of by a self-employed childminder you may be entitled to Childcare Allowance (Kinderopvang Toeslag). This is a contribution towards the costs of childcare.
Note that there are various requirements to be eligible for this allowance.
Requirements for Childcare Allowance![Father and child at the beach](https://assets.plaece.nl/thumb/9Yy5bNHATK7t13AVqAvSgTtBEQreQo3Ilgur8-_5fk0/resizing_type:fit/width:640/height:0/gravity:sm/enlarge:0/aHR0cHM6Ly9hc3NldHMucGxhZWNlLm5sL2t1bWEtbGVpZGVuL3VwbG9hZHMvbWVkaWEvNjIzYjI1MDliZTVkYi9kZXJlay10aG9tc29uLTUyODIzMS11bnNwbGFzaC0xLmpwZWc.jpeg)
Similar to Child Budget, you can apply for Childcare Benefit via the tax authority’s on-line section “Mijn toeslagen” (My benefits). You will need your DigiD. The “Mijn toeslagen”-section is only available in Dutch. If needed you can (also) call the Tax Information Line; they can make an appointment for you at a tax office or refer you to a benefits service point. There, they will help you with your application.