EU Coordination Rules Child Benefit in Utrecht: Your Rights When Moving within the EU
In Utrecht, the **EU coordination rules child benefit** (Regulation 883/2004) apply to determine which country pays child benefit if you or your child lives in another EU country. These rules prevent double payments and ensure smooth payment. Do you live in Utrecht but stay temporarily elsewhere in the EU, or does your child study abroad? These rules are crucial for residents of Central Netherlands.
Applicable to all EU countries, Norway, Iceland, Liechtenstein and Switzerland. Do you work from Utrecht in another EU country? Then these rules come into play.
Legal Basis: Regulation 883/2004
The core is Regulation (EC) No 883/2004, which regulates:
- Which country pays child benefit (art. 67).
- Application procedures for Utrecht residents abroad.
- Rights when residing in another EU country.
Regulation (EC) No 987/2009 regulates implementation, such as E121 or A1 forms. In Utrecht, you can go to SVB or UWV for applications.
When Do the Rules Apply in Utrecht?
Situations for Utrecht residents:
- You leave Utrecht to another EU country, child remains in the Netherlands: The Netherlands often continues to pay.
- Child from Utrecht to another EU country: Country of the child is often responsible.
- Work from Utrecht in another EU country: Country of work may pay.
- Temporarily abroad (work/study), child in Utrecht: The Netherlands continues to pay.
Priority: Country of the child (art. 67). Strong Utrecht ties (residence, school) keep the Netherlands responsible.
Responsible Country for Child Benefit from Utrecht
| Situation (Utrecht) | Responsible Country | Explanation |
|---|---|---|
| You from Utrecht to another EU country, child in NL | Netherlands | Netherlands pays if child lives/attends school here, unless no ties. |
| You in Utrecht, child in another EU country | Country of child | Child's country has priority, except strong Utrecht links. |
| You in Utrecht, work in another EU country | Netherlands (usually) | If child in Utrecht; otherwise country of work. |
| Temporarily abroad from Utrecht | Netherlands | Continues to apply <3 months; child in NL. |
How to Apply in Utrecht?
Apply for child benefit at SVB (Social Insurance Bank) or UWV. Required: proof of residence, E121/A1 form. For disputes: District Court Midden-Nederland, Vrouwe Justitiaplein 1, Utrecht.
Free advice: Juridisch Loket Utrecht, Catharijnesingel 55. Make an appointment for EU child benefit assistance.
Practical Tips for Utrecht
- Export benefit with forms.
- Keep address updated for payment.
- Check priority via SVB check.
When moving: report immediately to Utrecht municipality and SVB. Avoid interruptions.