How to Apply for Zorgtoeslag in Amsterdam (2026 Guide)
Zorgtoeslag is the Dutch healthcare allowance that helps Amsterdam residents cover health insurance costs. With approximately 120,000 expats living in Amsterdam (North Holland), many are missing out on up to β¬123/month they are legally entitled to. This guide covers eligibility, how to apply, and what to expect from gemeente Amsterdam.
BSN Office
Stadsloket Amsterdam Centrum (Amstel 1)
Amstel 1, 1011 PN Amsterdam
Processing time in Amsterdam
2β4 weeks (high demand β book well in advance)
Local insight
Amsterdam's gemeente is the busiest in the Netherlands. Book your appointment at least 3β4 weeks ahead via amsterdam.nl/loket. Walk-ins are rarely accepted.
Can expats in Amsterdam get Zorgtoeslag?
Yes. Expats living in Amsterdam with Dutch health insurance, a valid BSN, and income below ~β¬38,000/year are eligible for Zorgtoeslag. Applications go to the Belastingdienst β not gemeente Amsterdam. The maximum is β¬123/month for singles in 2026. Benefitly helps expats in Amsterdam apply without DigiD.
Key Facts
- Maximum β¬123/month for singles in 2026
- Requires Dutch health insurance (basisverzekering)
- BSN number required β Benefitly can help you get one
- Income threshold ~β¬38,000/year for singles
- Applied to Belastingdienst, not gemeente Amsterdam
- Can claim retroactively up to 5 years
Step-by-Step Process
- 1
Check your eligibility
To receive Zorgtoeslag in Amsterdam, you must have Dutch health insurance, be 18 or older, have a valid BSN, and earn below approximately β¬38,000/year (single) or β¬48,000/year (couple). Amsterdam has around 120,000 expats β many of whom qualify but have never applied.
- 2
Register at gemeente Amsterdam
Before applying, you need a BSN from Stadsloket Amsterdam Centrum (Amstel 1) (Amstel 1, 1011 PN Amsterdam). Processing time in Amsterdam: 2β4 weeks (high demand β book well in advance). Amsterdam's gemeente is the busiest in the Netherlands. Book your appointment at least 3β4 weeks ahead via amsterdam.nl/loket. Walk-ins are rarely accepted.
- 3
Get DigiD (or let Benefitly apply for you)
Applying online for Zorgtoeslag requires a DigiD. If you donβt have one yet, Benefitly can apply on your behalf using an official power of attorney (machtiging) β no DigiD needed on your side. Fully legal and GDPR-compliant.
- 4
Apply through Mijn Toeslagen
Log in to toeslagen.nl with your DigiD and fill in your income and insurance details. The system calculates your monthly allowance automatically. Payments go to your Dutch bank account starting the first of the next month.
- 5
Receive monthly payments and report changes
Once approved, you receive Zorgtoeslag monthly. If your income changes, report it promptly to avoid repayments later. Benefitly monitors your case and alerts you when action is needed.
Helpful Tips
- Amsterdam's gemeente is the busiest in the Netherlands. Book your appointment at least 3β4 weeks ahead via amsterdam.nl/loket. Walk-ins are rarely accepted.
- Apply as soon as you get Dutch health insurance β you can claim back up to 5 years retroactively.
- In Amsterdam, approximately 120,000 expats live and work β but many miss out on Zorgtoeslag simply because they donβt know they qualify.
- You must have basic Dutch health insurance (basisverzekering) β international or employer insurance does not count.
- Report income changes promptly via Mijn Toeslagen to avoid having to repay benefits.
- If you have a partner, their income is included in the eligibility calculation.
- Benefitly uses an official machtiging to apply on your behalf β legal, fast, and no DigiD required.
Quick Answer for Expats
Zorgtoeslag helps expats in Amsterdam cover Dutch health insurance costs β up to β¬123/month. You apply through mijntoeslagen.nl using your DigiD after registering at gemeente Amsterdam (Stadsloket Amsterdam Centrum (Amstel 1)). Benefitly handles the full process for expats in Amsterdam who need help with the Dutch system.
- Up to β¬123/month healthcare allowance, paid monthly
- Income-based: lower income = higher allowance
- No DigiD? Benefitly handles your application
- Gemeente Amsterdam processing: 2β4 weeks (high demand β book well in advance)
- Over 120,000 expats in Amsterdam may qualify
Not sure if you qualify for Zorgtoeslag in Amsterdam? Use our free eligibility check β takes 2 minutes.
Start Eligibility CheckFrequently Asked Questions
Yes. Benefitly applies on your behalf using an official Dutch power of attorney (machtiging). You donβt need DigiD or any Dutch government login. Available to all expats in Amsterdam β including those who just arrived.
The maximum Zorgtoeslag for 2026 is β¬123/month for singles. The exact amount depends on your income. Most expats in Amsterdam with a standard salary receive between β¬40 and β¬123/month.
You register at Stadsloket Amsterdam Centrum (Amstel 1), located at Amstel 1, 1011 PN Amsterdam. Current processing time in Amsterdam: 2β4 weeks (high demand β book well in advance). Benefitly can guide you through the process.
The Belastingdienst typically processes applications within 4β8 weeks. Once approved, payments start from the first of the following month. You can also claim retroactively if you were eligible but didnβt apply earlier.
Absolutely. The maximum is β¬123/month β β¬1,476/year. With approximately 120,000 expats in Amsterdam, many are missing this benefit. Our service fee is recovered within 1β2 months of payments.
Need help applying for Zorgtoeslag in Amsterdam?
Our team handles the full Zorgtoeslag application for expats in Amsterdam β no DigiD, no Dutch, no stress. From β¬79.
We speak English, Spanish, and Polish. No DigiD needed.