Childcare subsidy
Since 1 January 2005 students have been able to claim reimbursement from the state and their local council for childcare costs incurred. This applies to the cost of day-care for children up to the age of four, pre- and after-school care for primary school children, and child-minding services provided by parental participation crèches or host parents via a state-accredited host parent agency.
A precondition however is that you are enrolled for a bachelor or master’s degree
for which student grants of the Dutch government can be obtained. Student grants are generally not awarded if you pursue a post-experience master's degree programme or a PhD programme. Part-time students can also qualify for this subsidy, on
condition that their programme has a full-time equivalent - this is always
the case at EUR.
The local council’s contribution to the student substitutes the compensation that employers can pay their employees. If you have a job on the side, then you can approach your employer and local council. The latter will assess your situation: if the childcare is provided mainly when you are studying, then a contribution by the local council will take preference. If most of the childcare is provided when you are working, then it is reasonable for your employer to make a contribution.
Further information about childcare costs is available on the website of the Ministry of Social Affairs and Employment (SZW).
