Trouble paying school costs?.

The bill for school supplies can add up. But not everyone has the same financial means. Do you find it hard to pay all school costs? Parents do not have to pay part of the school costs and the parent contribution is always voluntary. There are also organizations that can help you. This article tells you where to go.

Financial help for school costs

But what if your child’s school does not take action? You can get financial help from some organizations. That is very good, but it can also make it unclear where to go for what. For financial help to buy school supplies you can go to:

• Leergeld foundation: parents with low income can get financial help here to buy school supplies.
• Through Sam& voor alle kinderen parents with low income can go to Leergeld foundation and other support organizations. Parents and intermediaries can apply on the website for school supplies or a laptop, for a bike to go to school, but also for sports and culture lessons, a day out or a birthday box.
• The municipality: some municipalities sometimes pay back school costs (a form of special social assistance), depending on income and need. The options differ per municipality. For more information go to the social service or center for work & income of your municipality.
• Child budget via the tax office: the amount of the child budget is higher for children aged 12 to 18 who still go to school. This increase helps parents with a small budget with school costs. Usually you do not have to apply for this money.
• Student allowance: parents with a child over 18 at secondary school can request a student allowance.
• Mbo student fund: parents with a small budget and a child at mbo can ask for money help through the mbo student fund.
• Buyback scheme for unused mbo books: books your child bought but did not use must be bought back by the mbo school.

Voluntary parent contribution and school costs, how does it work?

Going to school brings costs for many parents. For example, for a calculator, laptop, agenda, and pens. Many schools also ask for a voluntary contribution from parents for fun activities. Unfortunately, it is not always clear that this contribution is really voluntary. It is good to know that paying the voluntary parent contribution may not have any consequences for your child, in any way.

More help with money problems

If you have financial difficulties, it does not only affect school costs. That is why we also want to guide you with other money problems here. For tips about money matters, you can visit Wijzer in Geldzaken, the website Geldfit or Wat Ouders Willen Weten. Through the website Bereken uw recht van het NIBUD you can easily check which allowances and subsidies you have a right to. Finally, the government provides information about what you can do with first money worries and debts.

Ouders & Onderwijs listens

If you have financial difficulties, it can be hard to talk about it. You can contact us anonymously with any questions about your child’s education. For example, if the school pressures you to pay the voluntary parent contribution, or how schools must help parents if they cannot pay for a laptop. You can also contact us for a listening ear or information about where to go for financial help to buy school materials. The more we hear and know, the better we can speak up for parents.