Renewed “Pocket and change money guide

The recently updated "Handreiking Zak- en kleedgeld" (2023) is a document that provides comprehensive guidelines for the provision of pocket and change money to youth in youth care institutions in the Netherlands. The Handreiking was created in cooperation with the Ministry of Health, Welfare and Sport, the Ministry of Justice and Security, the Association of Dutch Municipalities (VNG), Jeugdzorg Nederland, the Vereniging Gehandicaptenzorg Nederland and EHdK and was published on December 19, 2023. The Handreiking has been drawn up to ensure that youths who stay in a youth care institution and do not (cannot) receive pocket and clothing money from their parents are provided with this.

“Guidelines on the legal basis, content, amount and manner of provision of pocket and change money

The guide contains guidelines on the legal basis, content, amount and method of providing pocket and change money, as well as the responsibilities of parents and youth care providers. Furthermore, it discusses the financing of these funds by municipalities and offers guidance on how to implement the regulation.

The document emphasizes the importance of transparency and making clear agreements. Pocket money is intended for small daily expenses and plays an important role in the financial education of young people. Change money is intended for the purchase of clothing and footwear. The amount of pocket and change money is partly determined based on Nibud standards, taking into account the age of the youth.

The Guidance clearly outlines responsibilities surrounding the provision of these resources, with primary responsibility resting with parents. However, if parents are unable to meet these needs, the financial responsibility lies with the municipalities. Youth aid providers play a central role in the actual provision of pocket and change money to youth.

The guidelines also include specific scenarios and action steps for different situations in which youth may find themselves. These take into account the possibility of changing circumstances in the youth’s life, such as changing youth care providers or the financial situation of the parents.

Want to learn more or
get started yourself?

Contact EHdK colleague Kim Huijzendveld.

Kim Huijzendveld

0616641929kim@ehdk.nl