Child Benefit Export: Receiving Child Benefit Abroad as an Amsterdam Resident
Child Benefit Export allows Dutch citizens, including many Amsterdam residents, to continue receiving child benefit when they move abroad with their family. This fits within social security regulations and helps families from Amsterdam who emigrate as expats, cross-border workers, or retirees to maintain their financial support for children. For Amsterdam residents, this is particularly relevant given the city's international atmosphere, with many professionals moving abroad for work or study.
What is Child Benefit Export for Amsterdam Residents?
Child Benefit is a regular allowance for parents or guardians in Amsterdam and surrounding areas, designed to cover upbringing and care costs for children up to a certain age. This is governed by the General Child Benefit Act (AKBW). As an Amsterdam resident emigrating, you can export child benefit under certain conditions, so the payment continues from the Netherlands. This way, you retain your rights despite leaving the city. Before emigrating, you can seek free advice from the Legal Aid Office Amsterdam about your situation.
Exporting child benefit depends on your personal circumstances, the destination country, and international agreements. Within the EU and EEA, the rules are flexible, while countries outside the EU rely on bilateral agreements or strict criteria. This article explains how it works, with tips for Amsterdam residents, practical examples, and legal details.
Legal Basis of Child Benefit Export
The legal foundation for child benefit export comes from Dutch laws and international agreements. Central to this is the General Child Benefit Act (AKBW), particularly Article 4, paragraph 2, which regulates export for beneficiaries who relocate, provided international social security conditions are met. When emigrating from Amsterdam, you must deregister with the Municipality of Amsterdam, which affects your application to the Social Insurance Bank (SVB).
In the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland, and Liechtenstein, EU Regulation 883/2004 applies for coordinating social security. Article 67 states that child benefit is payable in the country of residence or work, but the Netherlands contributes as the country of origin. Outside the EU, agreements with countries like the US, Australia, or Canada determine the rules. Without an agreement, export is limited to one year (Article 18 AKBW). The Social Insurance Bank (SVB) handles these matters and assesses applications according to these frameworks.
Conditions for Child Benefit Export as an Amsterdam Resident
To obtain child benefit export, you as an Amsterdam resident must meet strict requirements. You need to have been insured through work or residence in the Netherlands, including Amsterdam, before leaving. After emigrating, you must demonstrate that:
- The child is under your care and younger than 18 (or up to 20 if studying).
- You reside in an export-eligible country, such as an EU/EEA member or a treaty country.
- You do not receive double benefits; the country of residence does not provide a higher allowance (aggregation principle).
For non-EU countries without agreements, export applies only to temporary stays, such as a work assignment. For permanent settlement in such a country, child benefit ends after one year. Amsterdam residents can check with the Legal Aid Office Amsterdam if their emigration plan qualifies.
Differences Based on Type of Residence for Amsterdam Residents
Rules vary by situation. Here's an overview in table form, tailored to common scenarios for emigration from Amsterdam:
| Situation | Export Possible? | Duration/Conditions |
|---|---|---|
| Residing in EU/EEA/Switzerland | Yes | Unlimited, after SVB application and deregistration with Municipality of Amsterdam |
| Cross-border worker (working in NL, living in EU) | Yes | Unlimited, preference for NL benefit |
| Emigration to treaty country (e.g., US) | Yes | According to treaty, usually unlimited |
| Emigration to non-treaty country (e.g., Brazil) | Limited | Max. 1 year |
Practical Examples of Child Benefit Export from Amsterdam
Consider an Amsterdam family moving to Berlin for a job. They deregister with the Municipality of Amsterdam and apply for export with the SVB, providing proof of German registration. Under EU rules, it's approved, and they receive the benefit in their account, possibly supplemented to match the German level.
Or, a retired Amsterdam couple moving to Thailand, a non-treaty country. For their studying child (18-20 years old), export is possible for a maximum of one year. Moving to Canada (a treaty country) would allow it to continue indefinitely. Cross-border workers from Amsterdam living in Belgium often benefit from the higher Dutch amounts.
Rights and Obligations for Child Benefit Export for Amsterdam Residents
Your rights as an Amsterdam resident include equal treatment with residents, such as adjusting amounts to local costs (EU rule). Emigration should not terminate your benefit, and you can appeal SVB decisions through the General Administrative Law Act procedure, possibly at the Amsterdam District Court if you need local advice.
Obligations include reporting address changes, income changes, or family updates to the SVB (Article 22 AKBW). Submit documents like birth certificates or school proofs. The Legal Aid Office Amsterdam can assist in preparing for these requirements for a smooth emigration.
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.