What changes when your child turns 18?

Your child is then officially an adult. This means that you are no longer responsible for the debts your child incurs. Until the 18th birthday, parents pay almost all living expenses. For example food, clothes, pocket money and hobbies. For this you receive child benefit four times a year and a child-related budget every month. Children are also always co-insured free of charge for medical expenses and liability insurance. This changes when your child turns 18.

What should you take into account?

• Your child is no longer co-insured for medical expenses and must have a health insurance to block. You can your child You can also register on your own policy and pay the premium yourself. Your child probably has right to care allowance. Make sure your child applies for the care allowance via www.toeslagen.nl. 

• The child benefits ends 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.

• It child budget stops when your child turns 18. The child-related budget is a contribution towards the costs for children up to the age of 18 year. You will receive this allowance in addition to the child benefits.

• You receive child support? Your child can receive the (child) maintenance himself until his or her 21st birthday. The parent who pays alimony must arrange this himself.

• Rule one WA insurance in your child's name. As long as your child still lives at home or is younger than 21, you can still co-insure your child with your own liability insurance. Ask your insurance about the possibilities.

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