The child benefit provision (KBV BES) is experienced by many parents in Bonaire, Sint Eustatius, and Saba as a valuable support for the cost of living for their children. This is evident from research into the use and functioning of the scheme. Parents indicate that the allowance helps with daily expenses, and that the implementation by the National Office for the Caribbean Netherlands (RCN) unit SZW is perceived as accessible.
The child benefit provision has been a fixed part of the social security system in the Caribbean Netherlands since 2016. All parents can receive this allowance, regardless of their income. The research shows that the scheme is widely known and used. Social organizations also emphasize the importance of child benefit as a basic provision for families.
Conversations with Parents and Data Analysis
The research was conducted on behalf of the Ministry of Social Affairs and Employment. The researchers spoke with parents, social organizations, implementers, and other stakeholders on the three islands. The qualitative insights were supplemented with a numerical analysis of data from CBS and Nibud, focusing on the actual costs of children and the extent to which the scheme meets those costs.
Good Basis, with Attention to Specific Situations
At the same time, the research shows that the current allowance is not sufficient in all family situations. Larger families or families with older children particularly experience that child benefit does not always align with actual costs. It also appears that certain groups, such as parents who have recently moved to the islands, utilize the scheme less often. Language barriers and limited awareness of government provisions may play a role in this.
The research report has now been submitted to the House of Representatives and serves as input for the broader policy evaluation of child provisions in European and Caribbean Netherlands, expected this fall. In this context, options for an income-dependent scheme are also being explored. Additionally, the RCN unit SZW will incorporate the recommendations from the report into its ongoing process to further improve the service delivery and accessibility of social provisions where possible.
The full research report can be found at www.tweedekamer.nl/kamerstukken.
