Double Child Benefit in Amsterdam: Eligibility and Application
In Amsterdam, **double child benefit** provides additional financial support to parents of children with significant care needs, such as chronic illnesses or disabilities. This allowance covers extra expenses for care, therapy, or home modifications in a bustling city like Amsterdam, where families often face high living costs. We outline the eligibility criteria, legal basis, and application steps, along with tips for local support through institutions like the **Amsterdam Legal Helpdesk (Juridisch Loket Amsterdam)**.
What Does Double Child Benefit Mean for Amsterdam Parents?
Double child benefit, or child benefit with a care supplement, doubles the standard allowance for families with children requiring intensive care. Instead of the regular age-based payment, you receive double the amount to cover additional costs like specialized support or adapted facilities. This national scheme, administered by the **Social Insurance Bank (SVB)**, is vital for Amsterdam families in neighborhoods like the Jordaan or Zuidoost, where access to care can be challenging. **Note:** The supplement is not automatic—meet the requirements and apply.
Legal Basis in the Netherlands, with Local Relevance
The scheme is governed by the **Child Benefit Act (Kinderbijslagwet, KBW)**, particularly **Article 3, Section 2**, which permits doubled payments for children requiring intensive care due to illness or disability. This aligns with broader social security provisions under the **Constitution (Article 20)** and the **Participation Act (Participatiewet)**. The SVB follows the **Policy Rules for Child Benefit with Intensive Care** to determine eligibility. In 2023, assessments became stricter to ensure fair distribution. For general information on child benefit, see our article on **[general child benefit](/kinderbijslag-algemeen)**. In Amsterdam, the **Juridisch Loket Amsterdam** offers free legal advice on these laws.
Eligibility Criteria for Double Child Benefit in Amsterdam
To qualify, your child must have a **sustained intensive care need** due to a medical condition, whether in Amsterdam or elsewhere in the Netherlands. Key requirements:
- Age and Residency: Under 18 years old and residing in the Netherlands; students under 20 may qualify if the care need persists.
- Medical Assessment: A doctor or specialist must confirm the necessity of above-average care, such as daily treatments, tube feeding, or continuous supervision.
- Duration: Care must last at least 6 months and be ongoing.
- Income: No income limits apply, making it accessible to all Amsterdam households, from young families in De Pijp to those in Oud-Zuid.
- Combination with Other Allowances: Can be combined with care supplements but does not replace childcare benefit.
Examples of Intensive Care Needs
Intensive care involves medical requirements beyond standard parenting. In an Amsterdam context, this includes:
- Children with muscular diseases requiring wheelchair-accessible adaptations in canal houses.
- Children with severe mental health conditions needing 24/7 supervision.
- Children dependent on medical equipment like ventilators.
Practical Examples for Amsterdam Families
Consider a parent in Amsterdam-West with a child suffering from cystic fibrosis: daily therapy, medication, and dietary adjustments are critical. With a pulmonologist’s report from the **AMC**, the SVB approves the application, resulting in **€500 per quarter** (instead of €250) for a 10-year-old. Or a child with autism in East Amsterdam requiring supervision due to aggression; a psychologist from the **OLVG** confirms this for the supplement. However, basic speech therapy without intensity risks rejection. The SVB evaluates each case based on medical evidence. For application assistance, contact **Municipality of Amsterdam** or the **Juridisch Loket**.
Rights and Obligations for Applicants
You are entitled to a decision within **8 weeks**. If denied, file an objection with the SVB, then appeal to the **Amsterdam District Court**. The SVB will explain its reasoning. Obligations include:
- Submitting accurate medical documents.
- Reporting changes, e.g., improved health.
- Repaying incorrectly received amounts.
Comparison: Standard vs. Double Child Benefit
| Aspect | Standard Child Benefit | Double Child Benefit |
|---|---|---|
| Amount | Standard (e.g., €250/quarter) | Double (e.g., €500/quarter) |
| Eligibility | Child <18 years | Plus intensive care needs |
| Application | Automatic via SVB | Manual with medical details |
| Duration | Until age 18 | Until care ends or age 18 |
Frequently Asked Questions
**Q: Can I receive double child benefit if my child only needs occasional therapy?** A: No. The SVB requires **ongoing, substantial care needs** (e.g., daily treatments). Occasional therapy does not qualify. **Q: Does double child benefit cover private care costs?** A: No. It supplements **publicly recognized care needs** (e.g., medical equipment, adapted housing). Private expenses must be claimed separately. **Q: What if my child’s condition improves?** A: Notify the SVB immediately. Payments may be adjusted or discontinued if the care need no longer meets criteria. **Q: Can I apply if my child lives abroad?** A: Only if the child is **registered as a Dutch resident** and meets the medical criteria. Temporary stays abroad may affect eligibility. **Q: How do I prove intensive care needs?** A: Submit a **signed medical report** from a specialist (e.g., pediatrician, psychologist) detailing the diagnosis, required care, and duration. Local Amsterdam hospitals (e.g., **AMC, VUmc**) can assist.
Next Steps for Amsterdam Parents
1. **Gather documents**: Medical records, specialist reports, and proof of residency. 2. **Apply online**: Via the [SVB portal](https://www.svb.nl) or request a paper form. 3. **Local support**: Use the **Juridisch Loket Amsterdam** for free legal guidance or the **Municipality’s social services** for advocacy. 4. **Track progress**: Monitor your application status via the SVB’s case tracker.
Veelgestelde vragen
Wat is mijn retourrecht?
Bij online aankopen heb je 14 dagen retourrecht zonder opgaaf van reden, tenzij de wettelijke uitzonderingen gelden.
Hoe lang geldt de wettelijke garantie?
Goederen moeten minimaal 2 jaar meewerken. Defecten die binnen 6 maanden ontstaan worden verondersteld al aanwezig te zijn.
Kan ik rente eisen over schulden?
Ja, je kunt wettelijke rente eisen (momenteel ongeveer 8% per jaar) over het openstaande bedrag.
Wat kan ik doen tegen oneerlijke handelspraktijken?
Je kunt klacht indienen bij de consumentenbond, de overheid of naar de rechter gaan.
Wat is een kredietovereenkomst?
Een kredietovereenkomst regelt hoe je geld leent, wat de rente is, en hoe je dit terugbetaalt.