The housing allowance in the Netherlands (huurtoeslag) is a government contribution towards your rental costs. It was initially designed for households with average earnings, although most recipients nowadays are at the low-income level. Eligibility for the housing allowance (also known as the rent benefit), and the amount you receive depends on your age, who you live with, your rent, and the combined incomes of the household.
Requirements for the housing allowance (huurtoeslag)
In order to qualify for the Dutch housing allowance, you (and your fiscal partner) need to meet the following conditions:
- You have a signed rental agreement with your landlord.
- You live in a self-sufficient home with a lockable front door and a bedroom, a bathroom and a kitchen (note that you cannot claim rent allowance for a house boat or a holiday home).
- You are registered at the same address.
- You are at least 18 years old.
- You have a valid residence permit.
- You don't have too much capital (savings, shares and investments - see below).
Restrictions on claiming the huurtoeslag
There are some restrictions on who can and cannot claim the huurtoeslag: namely, this concerns your income, your rent, your age, the composition of your household, and your assets.
Income restriction
Although your income does determine your eligibility for the rent benefit, there is no fixed income limit. This is because the income limit is adjusted depending on your rent, the number of people in your houehold, and their age. If you live with other people, their income also counts towards your income. You can use this calculator to check if your income exceeds the limit.
Rent restriction 2025
You can't claim huurtoeslag if your rent is too high:
*Rent per month = basic rent + certain service costs (see here which service costs count towards the rent allowance)
Capital restriction
On top of the rent restriction, you also can't apply for the rent benefit if your assets (savings, investments and so on) exceed the maximum capital restriction, as follows:
| |
Maximum capital allowance (as of January 1, 2025) |
| No fiscal partner |
€37.395 |
| With fiscal partner |
€74.790 |
People with children or disabilities have slightly different requirements.
How much housing allowance will I get?
There is no fixed amount for the housing allowance, as each person's allowance is calculated individually on the basis of:
- Your age
- Your living situation
- Your rent
- Your income and assets
Generally speaking, however, the higher your income is, the less housing allowance you will receive. If you live with a partner, a housemate or a child, their income also counts towards your total income. You can use this calculator from the Belastingdienst to check how much housing allowance you could receive.
How to apply for rent benefit
You do not automatically receive the rent benefit; you need to apply for it via the Mijn toeslagen site. You will need to provide information about your rent and service charges, and your income. Once you have submitted your application, you should hear back from the Belastingdienst within five weeks.