I am turning 18

Are you turning 18? Exciting!!! You will soon be an official adult and will start to arrange many things for yourself. Think about your health insurance, money matters and perhaps study financing. There is a lot involved, so start on time. This page shows you step by step what you have to do and what you need. 

Can't figure it out? Ask someone to help you; you don't have to do it alone.

You need to arrange this

  1. Completed: applying for DigiD

    Don't have a DigiD yet? Apply for one on the DigiD website. You'll need this for things like student loans, benefits and tax returns.

  2. Completed: Opening your own bank account

    You need your own account for your salary, student loans or benefits. Consider a youth or student account.

  3. Finished: getting health insurance

    From the age of 18, you must buy your own health insurance. Compare health insurance, for example, through the website zorgwijzer.

  4. Completed: applying for care allowance

    Health insurance costs money. You may be entitled to care allowance: a monthly contribution from the tax authorities. Check the website toeslagen.

  5. Completed: applying for student loans

    Are you going to study (mbo, hbo or university)? Apply for your study funding at DUO.

  6. Completed: OV student travel product

    Are you taking a full-time course? Then you can travel for free or with discounted public transport. More info at DUO.

  7. Completed: rent allowance

    Do you rent self-contained housing? Then you may be eligible for rent allowance. You can read the Requirements and how to apply for it on the Tax and Customs Administration website .

    Important: If you are registered with someone, that person's financial benefits may be reduced. For example, rent allowance. Check the Tax and Customs Administration's site at rent allowance. 

    Also note the cost-sharing standard: If you turn 27 and you live with someone on Social assistance benefit benefits, that person's Social assistance benefit benefit is reduced because you can share living expenses.

  8. Completed: Housing

    Do you want to live on your own? Then register on time with Woonnet Rijnmond. The earlier you register, the more registration time you build up. Registration costs a small amount per year.

    Tip: Start on time, because for social housing you often need several years of registration time. You can also start looking into other forms of housing, such as private rentals, hospita rentals or temporary leases.

  9. Completed: Settling tax matters

    When you start working, you have to file tax returns. Also consider wage tax credits through your employer. More info on the Tax Office website .
     

  10. Completed: voting rights

    From the age of 18 you can vote in elections. For example, for House of Representatives elections or municipal elections.  

    Check here to see when the next election is. 

  11. Completed: youth aid and PGB

    Some forms of youth care stop when you turn 18, such as your PGB. Contact your neighborhood team or youth care provider about 6 months in advance to switch to adult care.

    From the age of 18, you pay an Excess for your mental health treatment. In some cases you can get a compensation for this. Discuss this with your care provider.
     

  12. Completed: donor registration

    From 18 you make your own choices in the Donor Registry. Don't do anything? Then you automatically become a donor.