How can I get a huurtoeslag?

If you meet the requirements, you can apply for a huurtoeslag (housing benefit) from the Dutch government. The main aim of the benefit is to enable people with a low income to afford a place to live. In order to qualify for the benefit, you:

• must be over 18 years of age
• your rent, joint income and capital (yours and any person registered at the same address) must meet certain criteria (they should not be too high). You can find the latest criteria on the website of the ministry of housing and spacial planning   (Dutch only)
• must be living in a rented property and pay a  maximum  amount of rent – Including servicekosten (service costs). You can find the latest figures on the website of the ministry of housing and spacial planning (Dutch only)
• must be the tenant of an independent property (e.g. an apartment)
• must be registered in the gemeente (municipality) as a tenant of this particular property

If you qualify, you should apply for the housing benefit by completing an application form at the Belastingdienst (Tax Authorities) website. If your application is successful, your benefit will be calculated based on your personal income and the personal income of any family members or partners who live with you, as well as the cost of the rent and any running costs. The size of your family and the number of children you have will also be taken into account if these family members live with you.

Please note that the mentioned requirements may vary if you are between 18-23 years old or you receive the AOW pension. Find the last up-to-date information regarding the income and eligibility requirements for the house benefit here (in Dutch only).