Item at Checkout: Volunteer allowances often not properly regulated

25 October 2025

Some volunteers receive a general financial compensation.(volunteer allowance) for their volunteer work. In addition, some volunteers also incur expenses, such as travel costs or purchase of materials, which they can claim back from the social organization (expense reimbursementThe Tax Authorities and volunteer organizations sometimes add up the amounts of these reimbursements, which can lead to problems if it exceeds the established maximum amounts. The television program Kassa extensively covered this in the broadcast of May 9, 2022.The Tax Authorities apply the following maximum amounts: 5 euros per hour, 180 euros per month, or 1800 euros per year. You do not have to pay tax on this amount. If you receive benefits, it also does not affect your benefits (provided you have obtained prior permission from the UWV). If you exceed this maximum, the exemption lapses (for the rest of the year), and any additional amount you receive is considered as income. This can indeed have consequences for your benefits.

The issue raised by Kassa in the broadcast is that both the Tax Authorities and volunteer organizations aggregate all reimbursements, causing you to exceed the maximum amounts sooner, sometimes with significant consequences.

Watch the Kassa broadcast here

Tips given in the broadcast:

Social organizations that pay out reimbursements must distinguish between a general volunteer allowance and the reimbursement of actual incurred (declared) expenses.
Do you receive unemployment benefits (WW)? Always ask UWV for permission before doing volunteer work.
If you receive a WIA, Wajong, WAO, or Sickness Benefits (Ziektewet) payment, it is not mandatory but it is recommended to consult with UWV beforehand.

Want to learn more about this topic as a volunteer?

Do you have any more questions? Ask them at the organization where you volunteer or contact the UWV.

Want to learn more as a social organization about this topic?

Look then.here on our websiteor on theRegarding the page of the NOVStill have questions or want more information on how to arrange this properly for your volunteers? Contact our organizational consultant in your district!