Revised childcare legislation

As from 1 January 2007 employers are obliged to contribute to the costs of childcare paid by their employees. The amount of this contribution is not related to the level of income. In addition to this, parents may also receive an allowance form the government, the amount of which does depend of the level of their income. The income threshold for entitlement to this allowance has been raised. Both the employers’ contribution and the government allowance are paid by the government. To receive them, the applicant and his/her partner must both work, be in education, be taking a naturalisation course or be participating in a work re-integration scheme.