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Special Assistance Housing Costs Amsterdam

Special assistance for housing costs in Amsterdam provides temporary support for rent or mortgage. Learn about rights, conditions and how to apply with the municipality of Amsterdam.

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Special Assistance Housing Costs Amsterdam: support for high housing costs

Special assistance housing costs in Amsterdam is a one-off or temporary supplement from the municipality for Amsterdammers receiving benefits who are struggling with housing costs such as rent, mortgage or energy bills. This prevents eviction. In this article you will find everything about the rules in Amsterdam, conditions and the application process with the Amsterdam District Court, Parnassusweg 220 or Legal Counter Amsterdam, Vijzelstraat 77.

What does special assistance housing costs in Amsterdam cover?

This form of special assistance focuses on unexpected housing expenses, including:

  • Rent arrears or sudden rent increases in Amsterdam properties
  • Mortgage interest or repayment for homeowners
  • Service charges, maintenance or mandatory energy-saving measures
  • Increased energy costs due to price rises
  • Costs for temporary accommodation or relocation within Amsterdam
The municipality of Amsterdam approves this in cases of acute need, such as impending eviction.

Legal basis in Amsterdam

Based on the Participation Act (successor to the Wwb), article 43, for unforeseen costs. Amsterdam applies its own policy rules for housing costs, often linked to the Social Support Act 2015 for housing preservation. Consult the municipal special assistance regulation Amsterdam for current details.

Conditions for special assistance housing costs in Amsterdam

You qualify if:

1. You receive benefits from Amsterdam

You already receive a benefit payment via Team Work & Income Amsterdam. No benefits? First apply for regular benefits via Amount of benefit payment Amsterdam 2024.

2. Unforeseen housing crisis

Examples in Amsterdam:

  • Sudden rent increase due to indexation or liberalisation
  • Emergency repairs in older Amsterdam properties
  • Exploding energy bills in the city
  • Extra costs due to anti-squatting or temporary housing
  • Rent deferral by landlord, with catch-up payment

3. Benefits do not cover costs

Amsterdam assesses your income, assets and expenses. Means-tested benefits such as rent allowance are taken into account first.

4. Participation in debt assistance or reintegration

In case of debts, the municipality often requires participation in the Amsterdam debt assistance programme or work programme via UWV/Employment.

Application for special assistance housing costs Amsterdam

Apply with Municipality of Amsterdam, Benefits Team (Keizer Karelweg 166) or online via Mijn Amsterdam:

  1. Contact the municipality: Call 020-254 8888 or email werkinkomen@amsterdam.nl. Visit a neighbourhood team.
  2. Submit application: Complete the online form on amsterdam.nl/bijstand or request it at the counter.
  3. Provide evidence: Rental agreement, bills, income statement and motivation letter.
  4. Await decision: Response within 8 weeks. Objection? To Amsterdam District Court, Parnassusweg 220.
  5. Need help?: Free advice at Legal Counter Amsterdam, Vijzelstraat 77 (020-533 0 533).

Tips for Amsterdammers

Also check housing corporation assistance or district funds such as in Amsterdam-South or East. Combine with applying for rent freeze in acute need.