Caring for family — apply for caregiver support?
Informal caregiver (unpaid care >8h/wk >3 mo for relative): (1) Caregiver bonus via council: €100-300/yr (varies per city; Amsterdam €200 2026). Apply via council website + DigiD. (2) Wmo respite care: temporary caregiver replacement (overnight, day care). Apply via Wmo desk. (3) Caregiver housing: temporary permit-free unit in own garden for parent/child care. Since 2014 statutory — no permit needed (within 30m2 + temporary). (4) Work arrangements: short-term care leave (max 10 days/yr, 70% pay), long-term care leave (max 6× week/yr, unpaid but job kept), emergency leave (brief, acute). (5) Tax benefit: care costs (meds, transport, help) deductible as specific care costs in return. (6) Caregiver broker: council or MantelzorgNL helps untangle admin. (7) MantelzorgNL 030-320 2770: free advice, peer groups, legal. Important: register at council to make caregiver status official — basis for all services.
Step by step
- 1Register at councilCaregiver status. Basis for bonus, respite + Wmo access. DigiD form or city desk.
- 2Apply for caregiver bonus€100-300/yr. No entitlement: city approves based on registration. Annual.
- 3Work: care leave + flexDiscuss with employer. Short (10d/yr 70%) or long (6 wks/yr unpaid). Written request.
- 4Consider Wmo respite careOn overload: temporary relief via Wmo. Overnight, day care. Needs assessment.
- 5Call MantelzorgNL for advice030-320 2770 free. Helps overview arrangements + specific your situation.
All contacts
Frequently asked questions
Can my employer refuse care leave?
Short care leave: only on compelling business interest (rarely). Long: may refuse under conditions. On refusal: written objection + possibly court. FNV/CNV members free support.
Do I count as caregiver if paid?
PGB (Personal Care Budget): yes, you can pay self-chosen caregiver from care recipient's PGB. Non-PGB: officially “caregiver” = unpaid. Tax Office treats PGB-care as caregiver income.
Sources
🔎 Common search queries
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