News item | 12-03-2024 | 16:08
To prevent non-use of double child benefit, the General Child Benefit Act (AKW) and the Long-term Care Act (Wlz) will be amended. Double child benefit for intensive care is a compensation for parents of children who need a lot of extra care. Research shows that parents find the application procedure for compensation complicated, resulting in non-use. That is why the cabinet has decided to simplify double child benefit for intensive care. As of July 1, 2024, parents of children with a Wlz indication will automatically receive double child benefit. It has also been made possible to award double child benefit with retroactive effect of 6 months.
Minister Van Gennip: “It is great that the Senate has today agreed to simplify the double child benefit for intensive care. Parents of children with additional care needs have to make a lot of arrangements in addition to caring for their child or children. That’s why everything helps to spare them. I also think it is important that people can make use of what they are entitled to. It’s good that we can remove this bottleneck in our regulations.”
Double child benefit for children requiring intensive care
Child benefit is doubled for parents of children with intensive care needs. They provide extra care to their child and also incur more costs. The double child benefit supports parents in this. Due to the change in the law, parents of children with a Wlz indication will soon receive double child benefit automatically. The change in law must take effect on July 1, 2024.
Retroactively
The amendment to the AKW also makes it possible to award double child benefit retroactively (up to six months). This takes into account the fact that applying for double child benefit is not the first thing that parents of children with intensive care needs think of. And it limits them from missing out on money.
Approach proactively
The legislative changes also make it possible for the Care Assessment Center (CIZ) to proactively inform parents of children with a Wlz indication about their (possible) right to double child benefit.