The government has sent letters to approximately 200,000 households encouraging them to apply for healthcare allowance for the previous year. Most of these households are entitled to it and can still apply in July and August.
There are several reasons why households have not applied for healthcare allowance, even though they are entitled to it. For example, they may not be familiar with the measure or they may think they are not eligible.
In addition, some have become apprehensive due to the benefits scandal. People had to repay tens of thousands of euros unjustly, causing them great difficulties.
The letter from the government explains how people can check if they are indeed entitled to healthcare allowance and how to apply for it. They may also be entitled to rent allowance and child budget.
The government has reviewed income data to see who is eligible for healthcare allowance in 2024 and has also been able to determine who has not yet applied. “So for people who receive a letter, there is a good chance that they can apply for healthcare allowance,” says Sandra Palmen, State Secretary for Recovery and Allowances.
Last year, an average of 1,456 euros was paid out
This is not the first time that the government has sent these letters. This also happened last year. Then, 55,000 households still applied for the allowance. The average amount paid out was then 1,456 euros.
It is possible that there are people who do not receive a letter, but are still entitled to the allowance. This concerns people whose final income for 2024 has not yet been determined, such as self-employed entrepreneurs.
Palmen adds that anyone who applies for healthcare allowance, rent allowance or child budget for 2024 should also do so for 2025. Therefore, according to her, it is wise to check whether you are also entitled to the allowances for the current year. You can do this by making a trial calculation.