Almost 18 years

Congratulations, you are or will soon be turning 18. In the eyes of the law, you are now an adult. This means that some things will change for you and your parents. 

You have to arrange a number of things yourself.

You will need to arrange a number of things yourself. For example, you will need a DigiD and you will need to take out your own health insurance.

But there are also advantages to growing up:

  • You are allowed to vote in elections.
  • Are you enrolled in a training program or university? If so, you can apply for student financing and receive a student public transport pass.

What do you need to arrange? (mandatory)

DigiD

Your DigiD is your personal login for many government services. You can use it for things like:

  • healthcare allowance
  • student financing
  • your data held by the government

Don't have a DigiD yet? Request one in good time. You can do this before your 18th birthday.

Apply for DigiD

Health insurance

From the age of 18, you must have your own health insurance. Until you turn 18, you are usually covered by your parents' insurance, but after that, you are no longer automatically covered.

You choose your own health insurer and pay the premium yourself.
Don't have health insurance? Then you could be fined.

Tip

Would you like to know which insurance policy suits you best? Use De VoorzieningenWijzer for independent advice on health insurance and other provisions in the municipality of Aalten: De VoorzieningenWijzer – healthcare advice 

What else is useful to arrange?

Organ donation

You will automatically be entered into the Donor Register. You can choose whether you want to be an organ donor. If you do not indicate your choice, you will be registered as having 'no objection toorgan donation'.
You can always view or change your choice via: www.donorregister.nl.

Study and student financing

Are you going to study? Then you can apply for student finance from DUO.
You also need to arrange your student public transport pass and other matters relating to your studies yourself.

Applying for student finance – DUO

Help with finding work

Looking for work or applying for jobs can be quite stressful. If you need help finding work, for example with writing a resume, guidance with applying for jobs, or learning how to present yourself on the job market, you can contact the Werkcentrum Achterhoek(Achterhoek Job Center) .

financial matters

From the age of 18, you are financially independent. This means that you are responsible for:

  • bills and subscriptions
  • income (e.g., salary or student financial aid)
  • payments and debts

An overview of your income and expenses helps you keep control of your money.

Need help with questions or problems?

Do you have questions about financial matters are you encountering problems such as (Klarna) debts? There are organizations that can help you:

Organizations that can help you with financial matters

Getting money back from the tax authorities

Have you had a part-time job or holiday job? Then you pay tax via your wages. Your employer deducts this automatically. Sometimes this means you pay more tax than necessary. This has to do with tax credits: a reduction in the tax you are entitled to.

So you may get your money back.

Would you like to know how this works and whether you are eligible for a refund? Please visit: Tax and Customs Administration – information for young people.

Housing and insurance

Are you moving out on your own or do you already live independently? If so, it is wise to consider the following:

  • registering for rental housing – if you want to live in the municipality of Aalten, you can register with De Woonplaats. Registration costs €25.
  • liability insurance – from the age of 18, you are responsible for any damage you cause.
  • other insurance policies that suit your situation.

Need help?

Not everything is immediately clear when you turn 18. That's perfectly normal.
Do you have questions or are you having trouble arranging things? Then you can contact: