Are you a pupil or student and between the ages of 18 and 30? Then you may receive a contribution to pay for the costs of school and/or study. This is called an 'allowance for school expenses'. It depends on the type of school and your nationality if and how much you get.

You can apply for the allowance from the Department of Education (DUO).

What you need to know

Check the National Government | secondary education website for more information on:

  • the different types of concessions
  • the conditions you must meet
  • how and where to submit an application

Do you attend a private school? If so, check with the school about your options.

School supplies/school expenses

Stichting Leergeld is committed to helping school-aged children from 4 to 18 years old from families with little money. Stichting Leergeld receives funding from the municipality to help school-age children.

Eligible for assistance in buying school supplies are:

  • School-aged children ages 4 to 18.
  • The child must live in Zoetermeer.
  • The child comes from a household with an income no higher than 120-130% of the social minimum (see: welfare standards) or there is demonstrable high debt.
  • These are costs that must be incurred to participate in the mandatory educational program (for example: writing utensils, compasses, mandatory gym clothes, dictionaries, atlases and so on).

You can apply for a School Stuff Card (debit card) from the Leergeld Foundation in the period from January 2 to October 31. You can use the School Stuff Card in the period from June 1 to October 31.

Please note that you must provide insight into your financial situation so that Stichting Leergeld can determine what is needed.

Voluntary parental contribution

Voluntary parental contribution is not eligible for reimbursement. It is only reimbursement for items needed to attend the educational program.

Other costs

Stichting Leergeld offers more help than just for school expenses. Visit the website of the Leergeld Foundation for more information.

Useful links