Youth and Family Minister André Rouvoet has announced he is making an extra 17 million euros available for families with chronically ill or disabled children. The money will go to families living on a single income.

More than 11,000 households will receive an additional 1460 per year in benefit. Government policy is to stimulate both partners in families to enter the labour market. However, Mr Rouvoet said this did not include parents who choose to look after their own child with a chronic illness or disability.

To be eligible for the extra benefit, the partner with the lowest income must earn less than 4619 euros a year. Above this amount the family is considered to have a double income.

Dutch Youth and Family Minister André Rouvoet - ANP