Turned 18, everything okay?

Congratulations! You are almost eighteen. That means a new phase full of changes. You are becoming more and more independent, and with that comes all kinds of regulatory issues. We list these things for you. What you need to arrange varies from person to person. A handy tool is this checklist from the Rijksoverheid. Stichting Mee has also developed a handy leaflet that explains everything step by step. Download the leaflet.

It helps to get started with your parents, friends or someone else in your network. Our advice: start on time!

More information and contact

Do you have any questions? Or do you as a parent or caregiver have questions about your child? If so, please contact the Wassenaar Social Team.

Apply for a DigiD

Apply for a DigiD. A DigiD is your personal code and you use it to log in to the government to arrange things and to add a digital signature. A DigiD is used for everything to do with the government. For example, to arrange your student loans or health insurance.

Apply for your DigiD

Get health insurance

From the age of 18 you are required to have health insurance. You need it to go to the doctor, dentist or hospital. Until you turn 18, health insurance costs nothing. From the month after you turn 18, you have to pay premiums every month. This is the amount you pay to your insurer for your health insurance. Even if you didn't need Health in that month. There are many health insurers and you can compare them conveniently on Zorgkiezer. Visit Uitleg Zorgverzekering for a simple explanation of health insurance. You can also apply for care allowance at Dienst Toeslagen. You use this money to pay for your health care benefits.

Note: Don't pay your health insurance? Then you will be fined.

Let us know if you want to become a donor

On your 18th birthday you enter the donor registry. You can then indicate whether you want to be a donor. Don't make a choice? Then you are automatically a donor. You can always change your choice.

Register for a property

Register as a housing seeker. The longer you are registered, the greater your chance of finding social housing. For a house in Wassenaar and surroundings, register on Woonnet Haaglanden.

Check to see if you can apply for student loans or other compensation

Study funding

Are you taking a full-time course at mbo, hbo or university? Then you can apply for study financing on the website of the Department of Education (DUO).

Pupil reimbursement

Are you 18 and attending vmbo, havo or vwo? Then you can apply for a 'pupil allowance' from the Education Executive Agency (DUO).

Study allowance

Are you a pupil or student and unable to earn additional income due to a disability or chronic illness? Then you may be able to get study allowance from the municipality.

Arrange insurance for damage from others

From the age of 18 you are responsible for any damage you cause. With liability insurance you do not have to pay all the costs when you cause damage to someone else or someone else's belongings. This insurance is not mandatory, but it is a good idea. Do you still live with your parents? Then you are usually covered by your parents' insurance. Read more about liability insurance on the Consumers Union website.

There are several parties where you can purchase liability insurance. Would you like some help with your choice?

Use the Consumer Association's choice guide.
On How insurance works you get simple explanations about insurance.

Some help stops when you turn 18

Some mental health help stops when you turn 18. Therefore, discuss with your counselor that you are reaching that age. Do you receive a personal budget (pgb)? If so, contact the Wassenaar Social Team to make your plan.

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

Questions or concerns about money?

Do you have questions about handling money, money problems or debt? If so, contact the social team:

E-mail: sociaalteam@wassenaar.nl
Phone: 088 - 654 99 99, on weekdays from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Chat: chatting is anonymous and can be done at the same times as calling

Work and benefits

For help with work and applying for benefits, the municipality of Wassenaar cooperates with the municipality of Leidschendam-Voorburg. Therefore, check the Leidschendam-Voorburg website for questions about help finding work.