The allowances for 2026 have been calculated, yet tens of thousands of families leave money on the table each year. Often not because they aren’t eligible, but simply because they don’t apply. In the case of the child-related budget, this amounts to over three thousand euros per year according to the CPB, while many parents think they don’t qualify.
Child-Related Budget Often Overlooked by Families #
Eligibility for the child-related budget in 2026 depends on several factors. You must receive child benefit and have one or more children under 18. Additionally, your assets must not exceed a certain limit. For two-parent families, the asset cap is €184,633, while single parents face a lower threshold but often receive a higher benefit.
The number and age of children also play a role. Higher amounts are allocated for children aged 12 to 16 to cover extra costs like school expenses. The child-related budget sees only a slight increase in 2026 compared to 2025 but can still significantly impact a family’s monthly budget. Many families are unaware they qualify, especially those with low to middle incomes who receive child benefit but overlook the additional budget or assume their income is too high.
Families Miss Out on €3,000 Per Year #
Recent figures from the Central Planning Bureau (CPB) reveal that approximately 99,000 households do not apply for the child-related budget despite being eligible, leaving nearly €1 billion unclaimed annually.
For perspective, consider a family with two children under 18 where both parents work full-time at the minimum wage in 2026. This results in a gross annual income of about €66,090, including vacation pay. Such a family would be entitled to roughly €259 per month in child-related budget, totaling €3,108 per year—money that many families could use but often fail to claim.
It’s crucial to distinguish between child benefit and the child-related budget. Child benefit is a fixed amount for all families with children, while the child-related budget is an additional supplement based on income, assets, and family situation. If you’re struggling to make ends meet with just child benefit, it’s wise to check if you qualify for this extra support.