Parents affected by childcare allowance scandal may claim extra compensation
If you were impacted by the childcare allowance scandal, you might be entitled to additional compensation beyond what you’ve already received. The Dutch government is allowing claims for emotional damage, lost income, and other costs until March 2026.
| Key Data | Details |
|---|---|
| Eligibility | Officially recognized affected parents with a final compensation decision |
| Types of additional damage | Emotional damage, alternative childcare costs, financial loss, income loss, study delays |
| Deadline | March 31, 2026 (for decisions finalized before October 1, 2025) |
| Application portal | Schadeherstel Toeslagen |
| Assessment options | Stichting (Gelijk)waardig Herstel or MijnHerstel |
| Free assistance | Online sessions (Wednesdays), service team (0800 020 01 97), Steunpunt Zwolle |
| Contact for help | (038) 498 99 80 or email Steunpunt Toeslagenaffaire Zwolle |
The Dutch Tax and Customs Administration (Belastingdienst) is responsible for implementing the compensation scheme for victims of the childcare allowance scandal. This follows a parliamentary inquiry that revealed systemic failures in the handling of childcare benefits, leading to financial and emotional hardship for thousands of families.
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More damage than initially determined in the Integral Assessment of the Childcare Allowance Affair?
Did you suffer more damage due to the problems with the childcare allowance than the compensation you have already received? You may be eligible to claim additional compensation. This is called supplementary compensation.
What does this mean?
In the integral assessment (IA), a damage amount was determined based on the data available to the tax authorities. However, it is possible that:
- your damage is higher than the amount you have received, or
- not all damage was included in the assessment
In such cases, you can submit a request for additional compensation. Supplementary damage may include:
- emotional damage to you and/or your family
- costs for alternative childcare
- financial loss (for example, because you had to sell items at an undervalued price)
- loss of income because you were unable to work as much
- costs due to study delays
When can you apply?
You can only submit an application if:
- you have been officially recognized as an affected parent, and
- you have received a final decision (ruling) stating that you are entitled to compensation.
When is the deadline to apply?
- Did you receive your final IA decision before October 1, 2025, and is it final (you can no longer appeal or object)?
In that case, you can submit an application until March 31, 2026.
- Was your decision finalized at a later date?
Then you have six months from the date the decision became final.
Do not wait too long!
How do you apply for additional compensation?
You can submit your application via the Schadeherstel Toeslagen portal. This can be done:
- online using your DigiD
- or by submitting a form by post
After logging in:
- Indicate that you wish to submit an application for supplementary compensation.
- Choose how you would like your damage to be assessed. You have two options:
- Stichting (Gelijk)waardig Herstel
- MijnHerstel
You can choose the option that best suits your situation.
What happens next?
- Your application will be assessed.
- You will receive a proposed compensation amount.
- If you agree with the proposal, you will formalize this in an agreement (settlement agreement).
- After this, the amount will be paid to you.
Need help?
Free assistance is available:
- Online information sessions (every Wednesday). Here, you will receive step-by-step explanations of the available options.
- Schadeherstel Toeslagen service team. Call 0800 020 01 97 (free of charge)
- Or contact the Steunpunt Toeslagenaffaire Zwolle. Call (038) 498 99 80 or send an email.
More information
More information about supplementary compensation is available on the Home | Schadeherstel Toeslagen website.
Start your application in time to avoid missing the deadline. Also, carefully consider which damages you wish to include. This may involve financial loss, emotional damage, or other consequences you have experienced. If in doubt, seek assistance. You are not alone in this.