Childcare Benefit 2026: What's Changing for Parents

In 2026, the reimbursement percentages and income thresholds for the childcare benefit (kinderopvangtoeslag) are changing. As a result, many parents will receive more financial support than in previous years. In this article, we explain what this means for you.

What Is the Childcare Benefit (Kinderopvangtoeslag)?

The childcare benefit (kinderopvangtoeslag) is a government contribution designed to help parents cover the cost of childcare. Its aim is to make it financially viable for parents to work while keeping childcare accessible for all families.

You may be eligible for the benefit if:

• You (and your partner) are working, studying, following a reintegration programme, or taking a civic integration course
• Your child attends a registered childcare provider (with an LRK registration number)
• You pay the childcare costs yourself (with invoices and a contract)

Maximum Hourly Rates by Childcare Type (2026)

The maximum hourly rates are the upper limits on which parents can receive benefit. If your childcare provider charges more than these rates, you pay the difference yourself. These amounts are set each year. For 2026, the maximum hourly rates are as follows:

• Daycare center (kinderdagverblijf/KDV) (ages 0–4): €11.23 per hour
• After-school care (BSO): €9.98 per hour
• Childminder/host parent care (gastouderopvang): €8.49 per hour

Why Do Maximum Hourly Rates Exist?

The government only reimburses costs up to a set maximum — known as the maximum hourly rate. This is the figure used to calculate your benefit, not a cap on what childcare providers are allowed to charge. Providers set their own rates and many charge more than this maximum. Any amount above the maximum hourly rate is always your own responsibility, even if you're entitled to the highest level of benefit.

How Is Your Benefit Calculated?

The childcare benefit is based on your combined household income (verzamelinkomen) and calculated according to the number of childcare hours used. As outlined above, different rates apply depending on the type of childcare.

A worked example:

• Combined household income: €67,500 (approx. 1.5× median income)
• Reimbursement rate in 2026: 91.60%
• Type of care: daycare center
• Provider's hourly rate: €11.75
• Government maximum hourly rate: €11.23
• Hours per month: 143

Step 1 – Calculate total costs
143 hours × €11.75 = €1,680.25 per month

Step 2 – Calculate the benefit
143 hours × 0.916 × €11.23 = €1,471

Step 3 – Calculate your out-of-pocket costs
€1,680.25 – €1,471 = €219.25

Reimbursement Percentages and Income Thresholds (2026)

As explained above, the childcare benefit works with percentage-based reimbursements — this is the share of your childcare costs that the government covers. The lower your combined income, the higher this percentage. The higher your income, the less benefit you receive. The percentage is always calculated based on the maximum hourly rate.

In 2026, both the income thresholds and the reimbursement percentages are changing. The government's maximum hourly rate and actual provider rates change every year — but this year, the benefit percentages are also being adjusted. This means a significant number of parents will get more back, and their final childcare bill could be lower as a result.

Worked Example: What Changes in 2026?

Scenario:

• Combined household income: €67,500
• 3 days of childcare per week
• 11 hours per day
• 143 hours per month

2025
Government maximum hourly rate: €10.71
Provider's hourly rate: €11.18
Reimbursement rate at this income: 87.30%

2026
Government maximum hourly rate: €11.23
Provider's hourly rate: €11.75
Reimbursement rate at this income: 91.60%

2025 calculation:
Costs: 143 × €11.18 = €1,598.74
Benefit: 143 × 0.8730 × €10.71 = €1,337.03
Out-of-pocket: €1,598.74 – €1,337.03 = €261.71

2026 calculation:
Costs: 143 × €11.75 = €1,680.25
Benefit: 143 × 0.916 × €11.23 = €1,471
Out-of-pocket: €1,680.25 – €1,471 = €209.15

Bottom line: this family pays €52.56 less per month in 2026 — that's €630.72 less per year — for exactly the same childcare. Even though the provider's hourly rate has gone up, the higher reimbursement percentage means the final bill actually comes down.

What Does This Mean in Practice for Parents?

Higher Reimbursements, but Also Higher Prices

In 2026, many childcare providers are raising their rates — but at the same time, two things are also increasing:

• the maximum hourly rate (on which your benefit is calculated)
• the reimbursement percentage for many income groups

This means parents are getting a proportionally higher benefit than in 2025. In many cases, your out-of-pocket costs will actually be lower — even if childcare has become more expensive.

Please note: this doesn't apply to every income level. Check your specific situation on the Dutch Tax Authority website:
https://www.belastingdienst.nl

Tips for Parents

• Don't just look at the hourly rate — look at your total costs after the childcare benefit. Run a fresh calculation for 2026.
• Choose a childcare provider registered in the LRK to be eligible for the childcare benefit.
• Update your benefit claim promptly whenever your income or hours change.
• Compare rates across different providers — the differences can be significant.

So don't panic if you see a higher hourly rate! Always calculate the total amount first — you might be pleasantly surprised by how affordable it turns out to be.

Want to compare childcare providers on price, quality, and availability? You can do it all on Kiddie.nl. Fast, simple, and free.