Study on Child Benefit Provision in the Caribbean Netherlands: Scheme Widely Used and Valued
The child benefit provision (KBV BES) is widely regarded by parents on Bonaire, St. Eustatius and Saba as a valuable contribution towards the cost of raising children. This is the conclusion of a study into the use and functioning of the scheme. Parents report that the benefit helps with everyday expenses and that the service provided by the RCN (Rijksdienst Caribisch Nederland) unit SZW is considered accessible.
The child benefit provision has been a permanent part of the social security system in the Caribbean Netherlands since 2016. All parents are eligible to receive the benefit, regardless of income. The study shows that the scheme is widely known and frequently used. Civil society organisations also emphasise the importance of the child benefit as a basic provision for families.
Interviews with Parents and Data Analysis
The study was commissioned by the Ministry of Social Affairs and Employment. The researchers held discussions with parents, civil society organisations, implementing bodies, and other relevant parties across the three islands. These qualitative insights were supplemented with a quantitative analysis using data from CBS and Nibud, focusing on the actual costs of raising children and the extent to which the scheme meets these costs.
Solid Foundation, with Attention to Specific Situations
At the same time, the study shows that the current benefit is not sufficient in all family situations. Larger families or those with older children in particular experience a mismatch between the benefit and their actual costs. It also appears that some groups, such as parents who have recently moved to the islands, make less use of the scheme. Language barriers and limited familiarity with government services may play a role in this.
The study report has been submitted to the House of Representatives and will serve as input for the broader policy evaluation of child provisions in both European and Caribbean Netherlands, expected later this year. In that context, options for an income-based scheme is also being explored. In addition, the RCN unit SZW will incorporate the report’s recommendations into its ongoing efforts to improve the accessibility and delivery of social provisions wherever possible.
The full study report can be found at www.tweedekamer.nl/kamerstukken.