News item | 17-02-2023 | 13:30
The General Child Benefit Act (AKW) and the Long-Term Care Act (Wlz) will be amended to prevent non-use of the double child benefit. Double child benefit is an allowance for parents of children with a serious illness or disability. Research shows that parents find this allowance quite complicated, resulting in non-use. That is why the cabinet has decided to simplify double child benefit. As of 1 April 2024, parents of children with a Wlz indication will automatically receive double child benefit. Parents can also receive double child benefit with retroactive effect (up to six months).
Double child benefit for intensive care needs of children
For parents of children with intensive care needs, the child benefit is doubled. They provide extra care to their child and also incur more costs. The double child benefit supports parents in this. As a result of the amendment to the law, parents of children with a Wlz indication will automatically receive double child benefit. The amendment must take effect on April 1, 2024.
Double child benefit with retroactive effect
The amendment to the AKW also makes it possible to grant double child benefit with retroactive effect (up to six months). For example, it takes into account the fact that applying for double child benefit is not the first thing parents of children with intensive care needs think about. And it is limited that they miss out on money.
Encouragement to apply for double child benefit
The amendments to the law also make it possible for the Care Assessment Center (Wlz) to proactively inform parents about their (possible) entitlement to double child benefit. The cabinet has decided to inform parents by letter now, in anticipation of the amendments to the law. Parents who submit an application before 1 April 2023 will receive – if they are entitled to this – double child benefit for the whole of 2023.