What changes when your child turns 18?

As soon as your son or daughter turns 18, they are officially of age. That means you are no longer liable for the debts they incur. Until the 18th birthday, parents pay almost all living expenses. For example, children are co-insured free of charge for medical expenses and liability insurance. They receive child benefit as a contribution towards these costs. Parents with a low income also receive a child budget.

What should you take into account?

• Your child is no longer co-insured for medical expenses and must take out health insurance itself. You can also register your child on your own policy and pay the premium yourself. Your child is probably entitled to healthcare allowance. Make sure that your child applies for the healthcare allowance via www.toeslagen.nl. 
• The child benefit stops at the end of the quarter in which your child turns 18. If your child is still in secondary school, he/she can apply for WTOS. If your child is studying, he/she will receive a student grant.
• The child budget stops when your child turns 18. The child budget is a contribution to the costs for your children up to the age of 18. You will receive this allowance in addition to the child benefit.
• Do you receive child support? Your child can receive (child) alimony until his or her 21st birthday. The parent who pays the alimony must arrange this himself.
• Arrange third-party liability insurance in your child's name. As long as your child still lives at home or is younger than 21, you can still insure your child with your own liability insurance. Ask your insurance about the possibilities.

If your child turns 18 soon, income will be lost and costs will be added. It is therefore good to inform your child in good time about applying for student finance or WTOS and the healthcare allowance.