How to Apply for Zorgtoeslag in the Netherlands (2026 Guide)
Zorgtoeslag is a monthly healthcare allowance paid by the Dutch Belastingdienst to help residents cover health insurance costs. In 2026, singles can receive up to €123/month and couples up to €239/month. Many expats qualify but never apply — either because they don’t know about it or because the Dutch system feels too complicated. Benefitly applies on your behalf using official power of attorney — no DigiD needed.
Who qualifies for Zorgtoeslag in the Netherlands in 2026?
Anyone living in the Netherlands with Dutch health insurance (basisverzekering), aged 18 or older, with an annual income below approximately €38,000 (single) or €48,000 (couple) qualifies for Zorgtoeslag. You do not need Dutch citizenship. Expats, EU citizens, and non-EU workers with a valid residence permit all qualify. You need a BSN and DigiD to apply — or Benefitly can apply on your behalf without DigiD using official machtiging.
Key Facts
- Maximum €123/month for singles in 2026
- Maximum €239/month for couples in 2026
- Requires Dutch health insurance (basisverzekering)
- Income threshold: ~€38,000/year single, ~€48,000/year couple
- No Dutch citizenship required — expats qualify
- Can claim retroactively for up to 5 years
- Benefitly applies for you — no DigiD needed
Step-by-Step Process
- 1
Confirm you have Dutch health insurance
Zorgtoeslag is only available for basisverzekering (basic Dutch health insurance). International policies, employer-only insurance, and student plans from abroad do not count. If you don’t have Dutch health insurance yet, you must get it before applying. Benefitly can advise on the cheapest qualifying policies.
- 2
Check your income eligibility
For 2026, single applicants must have a toetsingsinkomen (assessed income) below approximately €38,000/year. For fiscal partners (couples), the combined threshold is approximately €48,000/year. Your income is assessed based on your tax return — if you’re newly arrived, use your estimated annual income.
- 3
Get a BSN (Burgerservicenummer)
A BSN is required for all Dutch government applications, including Zorgtoeslag. You get your BSN by registering at your local gemeente (municipality). Processing takes 1–4 weeks depending on the city. Benefitly can guide you through the BSN registration process.
- 4
Apply via Mijn Toeslagen (or use Benefitly)
Log in to toeslagen.nl with your DigiD and submit your application. You’ll need your BSN, Dutch IBAN, health insurance policy number, and income estimate. No DigiD? Benefitly applies on your behalf using an official machtiging — legally recognized by the Belastingdienst.
- 5
Receive approval and monthly payments
The Belastingdienst processes applications within 4–8 weeks. Once approved, payments are deposited monthly to your Dutch bank account. The amount is recalculated annually based on your final income. Benefitly monitors your case and alerts you if any action is needed.
Helpful Tips
- Apply immediately after getting Dutch health insurance — you can only backdate Zorgtoeslag 3 months from the application date for new applications, but up to 5 years for correcting old ones.
- If your income is just above the threshold, it’s still worth applying — even a few euros per month adds up over the year.
- Moving in with a partner changes your eligibility — report it immediately to avoid a large repayment at year-end.
- Zorgtoeslag is not affected by having savings (unlike huurtoeslag) — only income matters.
- If you worked in the Netherlands for only part of the year, you still qualify for the months you were here.
- Benefitly’s service fee is typically recovered within 1–2 months of Zorgtoeslag payments — after that it’s pure benefit.
Quick Answer for Expats
Zorgtoeslag (Dutch healthcare allowance) pays up to €123/month to help cover health insurance costs in the Netherlands. Eligibility requires Dutch health insurance, a BSN, and income below ~€38,000/year. Expats qualify if they live and work in the Netherlands. Benefitly handles the full application using an official Dutch power of attorney (machtiging) — no DigiD required.
- Up to €123/month (€1,476/year) tax-free
- No DigiD required if you use Benefitly
- Available to all residents regardless of nationality
- Can be backdated up to 5 years
- Paid directly to your Dutch bank account
Use our free 2-minute eligibility check to find out exactly how much Zorgtoeslag you qualify for.
Start Eligibility CheckFrequently Asked Questions
Yes. Benefitly applies for Zorgtoeslag on your behalf using an official Dutch power of attorney (machtiging), which is legally recognized by the Belastingdienst. You never need DigiD. This is the fastest and simplest option for expats who just arrived.
The maximum Zorgtoeslag in 2026 is €123/month for singles and €239/month for couples. The exact amount depends on your income — the lower your income, the higher your allowance. Most expats with a standard salary receive between €40 and €123/month.
No. Any resident of the Netherlands with Dutch health insurance and income below the threshold qualifies — regardless of nationality. This includes EU citizens, non-EU expats with a work permit, and internationals on any valid Dutch residence status.
For corrections to past years, you can claim retroactively for up to 5 years. For new applications in the current year, you can backdate 3 months. Benefitly checks your situation and claims the maximum possible retroactive amount.
You must report significant income changes via Mijn Toeslagen. If you earn more than estimated, your Zorgtoeslag decreases and you may need to repay the difference at year-end. If you earn less, you receive a top-up payment. Benefitly monitors your case and notifies you when action is needed.
Yes. The minimum Zorgtoeslag for qualifying applicants is typically €40/month (€480/year). Benefitly’s service fee is a one-time €79. That means within 2 months of payments, you’ve already recovered the cost — and continue receiving the benefit monthly for as long as you qualify.
Apply for Zorgtoeslag without DigiD
Benefitly handles the full application using official Dutch power of attorney. One-time fee of €79. Most clients recover the cost within 2 months.
We speak English, Spanish, and Polish. No DigiD needed.