Benefits (Toeslagen)
A letter from Dutch Toeslagen (allowances)?
Rent, childcare and health care allowances are paid as an advance, based on an estimate of your income. After the year ends they are calculated definitively. That is why letters about paying back or receiving extra money arrive.
What to know
Final calculation
Made with your real income. If it was higher than estimated, you have to pay back. If it was lower, you may get extra money.
Paying back: up to 24 months
Pay the first monthly amount before the date in the letter and the arrangement starts by itself. You choose in how many months, at most 24. You do pay interest.
Objection period: 6 weeks
Counted from the date on the final calculation. If your letter says something different, follow your letter.
Current year not correct?
Usually you do not need to object. Report the change in Mijn toeslagen or in the Toeslagen app.
Explain my letter
Take a photo of your letter. BriefKlaar tells you in your own language what it says, what to do and by when, and drafts a reply in Dutch.
Frequently asked questions
Why do I have to pay back an allowance?
Usually because your real income was higher than the estimate, a change was not reported in time, or something changed in your household.
Do I have to call to arrange payment in instalments?
No. Pay the monthly amount from the letter before the date in the letter and the arrangement starts by itself. You may pay more per month.
Can I take longer than 24 months?
If you cannot repay within 24 months, you can ask for a personal payment arrangement.