In the Netherlands, an estimated 5 million people are entitled to the healthcare allowance. That’s far more than most people realize.
This benefit isn’t just for those on a minimum income; many others qualify as well. Could you be leaving hundreds of euros on the table? It’s worth checking today.
2026 Income Thresholds #
Hundreds of thousands of Dutch residents fail to apply for the healthcare allowance, often assuming they earn too much to qualify.
The income limits for 2026 have now been announced. For a single person with no allowance partner, the gross annual income limit is €40,857.
If you do have an allowance partner, your combined gross annual income can be as high as €51,142. Earn more than this, and you are no longer eligible for the healthcare allowance.
Another factor in your application is your assets. If your capital exceeds €146,011, you will not qualify for the benefit.
How to Check Your Eligibility #
You can perform a proefberekening (trial calculation) for all possible allowances on the Dutch Tax Service’s website.
We ran a test calculation for the healthcare allowance only, assuming no high assets and an annual income of €40,000. The result showed an entitlement to €11 per month, which adds up to over €100 per year.
Many people forgo this amount, either because they assume their income is too high or due to fear of repayments following the Dutch benefits scandal. You don’t have to miss out—simply enter your details to see exactly what you’re entitled to.
The government highlights every year that citizens leave significant amounts of money unclaimed. It is even possible to apply for allowances from a previous year, though the deadline for this is typically around September of the following year. Still, it’s a good way to claim what you’re owed for other years.
A Widespread Benefit #
Considering the median income in the Netherlands—where half the population earns more and half earns less—it’s clear that even individuals with an above-median income can still be eligible for an allowance.
This means more than half of all households are entitled to at least one form of benefit, with the healthcare allowance being the most common. If your income is below the €40,857 or €51,142 threshold (with a partner), take a moment to check your eligibility and see what you might receive.