How to Apply for Zorgtoeslag in Groningen (2026 Guide)

Zorgtoeslag is the Dutch healthcare allowance that helps Groningen residents cover health insurance costs. With approximately 18,000 expats living in Groningen (Groningen Province), many are missing out on up to €123/month they are legally entitled to. This guide covers eligibility, how to apply, and what to expect from gemeente Groningen.

BSN Office

Gemeente Groningen Publieksplein

Kreupelstraat 1, 9712 HX Groningen

Processing time in Groningen

1–2 weeks

Local insight

Groningen has a large student expat community from Rijksuniversiteit Groningen. The gemeente office is compact but efficient. Appointments available quickly compared to Randstad cities.

18,000 expats in GroningenΒ·Gemeente: GroningenΒ·Groningen Province

Can expats in Groningen get Zorgtoeslag?

Yes. Expats living in Groningen with Dutch health insurance, a valid BSN, and income below ~€38,000/year are eligible for Zorgtoeslag. Applications go to the Belastingdienst β€” not gemeente Groningen. The maximum is €123/month for singles in 2026. Benefitly helps expats in Groningen apply without DigiD.

Key Facts

  • Maximum €123/month for singles in 2026
  • Requires Dutch health insurance (basisverzekering)
  • BSN number required β€” Benefitly can help you get one
  • Income threshold ~€38,000/year for singles
  • Applied to Belastingdienst, not gemeente Groningen
  • Can claim retroactively up to 5 years

Step-by-Step Process

  1. 1

    Check your eligibility

    To receive Zorgtoeslag in Groningen, you must have Dutch health insurance, be 18 or older, have a valid BSN, and earn below approximately €38,000/year (single) or €48,000/year (couple). Groningen has around 18,000 expats β€” many of whom qualify but have never applied.

  2. 2

    Register at gemeente Groningen

    Before applying, you need a BSN from Gemeente Groningen Publieksplein (Kreupelstraat 1, 9712 HX Groningen). Processing time in Groningen: 1–2 weeks. Groningen has a large student expat community from Rijksuniversiteit Groningen. The gemeente office is compact but efficient. Appointments available quickly compared to Randstad cities.

  3. 3

    Get DigiD (or let Benefitly apply for you)

    Applying online for Zorgtoeslag requires a DigiD. If you don’t 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. 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. 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

  • Groningen has a large student expat community from Rijksuniversiteit Groningen. The gemeente office is compact but efficient. Appointments available quickly compared to Randstad cities.
  • Apply as soon as you get Dutch health insurance β€” you can claim back up to 5 years retroactively.
  • In Groningen, approximately 18,000 expats live and work β€” but many miss out on Zorgtoeslag simply because they don’t 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 Groningen cover Dutch health insurance costs β€” up to €123/month. You apply through mijntoeslagen.nl using your DigiD after registering at gemeente Groningen (Gemeente Groningen Publieksplein). Benefitly handles the full process for expats in Groningen who need help with the Dutch system.

  • Up to €123/month healthcare allowance, paid monthly
  • Income-based: lower income = higher allowance
  • No DigiD? Benefitly handles your application
  • Gemeente Groningen processing: 1–2 weeks
  • Over 18,000 expats in Groningen may qualify

Not sure if you qualify for Zorgtoeslag in Groningen? Use our free eligibility check β€” takes 2 minutes.

Start Eligibility Check

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes. Benefitly applies on your behalf using an official Dutch power of attorney (machtiging). You don’t need DigiD or any Dutch government login. Available to all expats in Groningen β€” including those who just arrived.

The maximum Zorgtoeslag for 2026 is €123/month for singles. The exact amount depends on your income. Most expats in Groningen with a standard salary receive between €40 and €123/month.

You register at Gemeente Groningen Publieksplein, located at Kreupelstraat 1, 9712 HX Groningen. Current processing time in Groningen: 1–2 weeks. Benefitly can guide you through the process.

The Belastingdienst typically processes applications within 4–8 weeks. Once approved, payments start from the first of the following month. You can also claim retroactively if you were eligible but didn’t apply earlier.

Absolutely. The maximum is €123/month β€” €1,476/year. With approximately 18,000 expats in Groningen, many are missing this benefit. Our service fee is recovered within 1–2 months of payments.

Need help applying for Zorgtoeslag in Groningen?

Our team handles the full Zorgtoeslag application for expats in Groningen β€” no DigiD, no Dutch, no stress. From €79.

We speak English, Spanish, and Polish. No DigiD needed.