EU Coordination Rules for Child Benefit: Your Rights from Amsterdam When Moving within the EU
The **EU coordination rules for child benefit** (Regulation 883/2004) establish which country pays child benefit when you move from Amsterdam to another EU country. These rules prevent double payments and ensure direct payment without hassle. Do you live in Amsterdam but stay temporarily elsewhere in the EU, or is your child abroad? Then these rules are crucial.
Applicable to all EU countries, Norway, Iceland, Liechtenstein and Switzerland. Do you work from Amsterdam in another EU country? These rules apply then as well.
Legal Basis: Regulation 883/2004
The core of EU social security coordination is Regulation (EC) No 883/2004. Key points:
- Which country pays child benefit (art. 67).
- Application procedures abroad.
- Rights when residing in another EU country.
Regulation (EC) No 987/2009 regulates implementation, such as the E121 form for child benefit or the A1 form for social security.
When Do EU Coordination Rules Apply from Amsterdam?
Situations in which they apply:
- You move from Amsterdam to another EU country, child remains in the Netherlands: The Netherlands often pays.
- Child resides elsewhere in the EU, you in Amsterdam: Country of the child is often responsible.
- Work in another EU country, resident in Amsterdam: Country of work may pay.
- Temporarily abroad (work/study), child in Amsterdam: The Netherlands continues to pay.
Priority: country of the child (art. 67). Strong Amsterdam connections (residence, school) keep the Netherlands responsible.
Who Pays Your Child Benefit from Amsterdam?
Depending on circumstances:
| Situation from Amsterdam | Responsible Country | Explanation |
|---|---|---|
| You move from Amsterdam, child remains in the Netherlands | Netherlands | The Netherlands pays if the child resides there, unless no ties remain. |
| You in Amsterdam, child in another EU country | Country of child | Child's country has priority, unless strong Dutch ties. |
| Work in EU country, resides Amsterdam | Netherlands (usually) | If child in Amsterdam, the Netherlands continues to pay. |
| Temporarily abroad from Amsterdam | Netherlands | Valid as long as child is in the Netherlands and stay <3 months. |
How to Apply for Child Benefit from Amsterdam?
Contact the Social Insurance Bank (SVB) in the Amsterdam region. For EU matters: submit the E411 form. Need help? Go to Amsterdam District Court, Parnassusweg 220 or Amsterdam Legal Aid Office, Vijzelstraat 77 for free advice.
Practical Tips for Amsterdammers
- Always claim within 3 months after moving.
- Keep proof of residence and work.
- Use the EU portal for forms.
- In case of dispute: procedure via Amsterdam District Court.
Important: Rules do not change due to Brexit; the UK is excluded. In case of doubt: consult SVB or Amsterdam Legal Aid Office.