In this post, we will be addressing the most common question that we get from our viewers, and that is, ”How to apply for a housing allowance?" So guys, if you want to know more, then please keep on reading. We have linked two videos for you. The first one is a step-by-step instruction video where we take you through the process of applying for the allowance. The second video talks about the eligibility criteria. Also, please subscribe to our channel if you haven't already.
Video1: Step-by-step instruction video
Video 2: Eligibility criteria
One of the monthly expenses for any student who is living away from their home is their monthly rent. In the Netherlands, the monthly rent can range from 400-1000 euros per person. However, you can reduce this cost by taking advantage of the housing subsidy provided by the Dutch government. Now while applying for the housing allowance, there are some things which you should keep in mind. Thus, we are here to explain to you all the relevant criteria which you should fulfill to apply for an allowance. If you want to know the step-by-step process of applying, visit our first video linked here and above. The video takes a deep dive into the process, and with Harshil's very soothing voice :), she explains to you all the steps involved.
Today we will talk about four major topics that you will get confused about. These topics are your rental breakdown, your earnings, your age, and your living arrangements. But stay tuned till the end of the blog to receive additional information.
So let's talk about the easiest one first, i.e., your living arrangements. This one is pretty straight forward. To fit into this criteria, please make sure of the following things:
You have a valid residence permit. This means your student visa or a valid work permit.
You have an independent housing, i.e., you have your own private bathroom, kitchen, and bedroom. Usually, student housings, apartments, studio apartments do qualify for an allowance. If you are living in a house with say 2 other people and you guys share a kitchen then mostly you are not eligible for the benefit. However, if your landlord or housing company has registered that apartment for housing allowance then, of course, you can claim that.
Alright now moving on to the other topic, i.e., your rental breakdown. According to the latest rules of housing allowance, to claim the benefit.
Alright now moving on to the other topic, i.e., your rental breakdown. According to the latest rules of housing allowance, to claim the benefit:
If your age is between 18-22, then your rent should not be more than 432.51 euros. If you have a child at this age, then the rent limit is 737.14 euros
If your age is more than 23 years, then your rent should not be more than 737.14 euros. As you might have noticed, your age does come into play while applying for the benefit.
Now please read this point carefully. When we say that your rent should not be more than 737 or 432 euros, what we really mean is that the combined amount of your basic rent, common-area costs, caretaker costs, and other service charges should not be more than the specified amount. Here is an example, our rent is 921 euros but, when we combine our basic rent and other service charges, our rent amount is 721 euros. The extra 200 euros are counted as compensation for the additional services provided by the housing company.
All these details will be there in your rental contract. If they are not there then simply mail the housing company customer support asking for these details.
Moving on to the final major topic, i.e., your income. Usually for us students, it is simpler to fit in the criteria. But there are still so many questions like: "What if I get a part-time job or a paid internship?", "What if I am living with someone who earns?" Here we are answering all your questions.
If you are living at your residence alone, then your yearly income should not exceed 30,846 euros.
If you have a fiscal partner, i.e., a person who is living with you and is registered at your place, then the combined household income should not exceed 61,992 euros. This person living with you is considered as a fiscal partner. The person is not a fiscal partner if he or she is subletting the place from you.
Another point to remember is that, when you have such a partner, the allowance you will receive will be combined. For example, the maximum allowance that you will receive is 321 euros. So say for our case its not like each of us receives 321 euros. That amount is for your whole household.
Let's look at some of the additional but important points that you need to keep in mind:
Please apply for the housing allowance before the deadline. To claim the allowance for 2020, please apply before 1st September 2021.
Now let's assume that I have to apply for my allowance and my rent started in January 2020 and I am applying in December 2020. What will happen is, after the Dutch government has processed the application, which usually takes up to three months, they will provide me a bulk amount for those previous months. After that point, they will give me monthly payments.
Another point, say you moved to a location with a higher rent or you start earning above the threshold limit. You will have to report this change in the housing allowance portal. Please check out our first video where we have explained this step. If you moved in August and you report this in December, you will receive a letter from the authorities asking you to pay back the extra money that you have received.
Your worldwide assets, i.e., your bank account savings, any property that you hold, should not be worth more than 30,360 euros. If you have a fiscal partner then the combined asset value should not be more than 60,720 euros. However, you can always reduce those assets which can be counted as loans, debts, or mortgages.
If you do get confused, you can always contact the authorities.
Hopefully, we have covered every detail which might come your way. If you still have any questions or if we missed something, then please let us know. If we have managed to cover everything, then please show your love by commenting, liking, subscribing, and sharing our YouTube videos.