| Year | Indexation | Amount |
|---|
The calculator uses the official statutory indexation percentages. The result is indicative; in the event of a dispute or arrears, the official publication and the LBIO (Landelijk Bureau Inning Onderhoudsbijdragen, the Dutch national maintenance collection agency) take precedence.
What is the statutory indexation of maintenance?
Maintenance keeps pace with wage growth: the percentage is derived from the Dutch wage index (CBS). That is why the Dutch Minister of Justice and Security sets an indexation percentage every year in November. On 1 January, maintenance is automatically increased by that percentage — this is the statutory indexation.
- Mandatory and automatic — the increase applies automatically by law, even without a new court order or agreement.
- For both types — applies to child maintenance and spousal maintenance alike.
- Retroactive — indexation that was never applied can be claimed up to five years back. The LBIO (Landelijk Bureau Inning Onderhoudsbijdragen, the Dutch national maintenance collection agency) can take over collection if its conditions are met (including arrears no older than six months); older arrears require a bailiff.
Indexation percentages per year
The official percentages of recent years:
| 2026 | 4,6% |
| 2025 | 6,5% |
| 2024 | 6,2% |
| 2023 | 3,4% |
| 2022 | 1,9% |
| 2021 | 3,0% |
| 2020 | 2,5% |
Source: annual determination by the Ministry of Justice and Security. The LBIO publishes the percentages and an official calculator.
Indexation of child maintenance and spousal maintenance
Both types are increased by the same percentage on the same date: 1 January. There is no separate percentage for child maintenance and another for spousal maintenance.
Child maintenance indexation
If more than the price level has changed — income or the care arrangement, for instance — indexation is not enough and a new calculation is needed. That is a different matter from indexation: a recalculation starts again from your current details.
Spousal maintenance indexation
The same percentages and the same start date apply to spousal maintenance; the maximum duration of spousal maintenance does not change through indexation either.
Frequently asked questions
What is the maintenance indexation percentage for 2026?
The statutory indexation percentage as of 1 January 2026 is 4.6%. It applies to both child and spousal maintenance.
Is indexation mandatory?
Yes. Indexation takes effect automatically on 1 January, even without a new agreement or court order. The payer must pay the increased amount.
How do I calculate the indexation?
Increase the amount year by year by that year's percentage. For 2026 you multiply by 1.046: € 500 becomes € 523.00. Over several years this compounds: € 500 from 2024 first becomes € 532.50 (2025: × 1.065) and then € 557.00 (2026: × 1.046). With the calculator above you enter the amount and years and see the result immediately.
What if maintenance has not been indexed for years?
You can claim the indexation up to five years back. If the other party does not pay, the LBIO can take over collection if its conditions are met (including arrears no older than six months); older arrears require a bailiff.
'Indexering' or 'indexatie' — are these two different things?
No. In Dutch both indexering and indexatie are used for the same annual increase; the law and the LBIO use indexering. There is no difference in meaning and the percentage is identical.
Has more changed than just the indexation percentage? Recalculate your maintenance.