Conditions for special assistance housing costs in Amsterdam
In Amsterdam, the municipality grants special assistance for housing costs only under strict conditions. You must prove that your rent or mortgage cannot reasonably be paid from income or assets, particularly relevant in this expensive housing market for low-income groups.
Main conditions in Amsterdam
- Low income threshold: Income including benefits may not exceed the welfare norm; Amsterdam applies the national norm with extra attention to urban costs.
- Asset threshold: Savings above €7,575 (singles) or €15,090 (cohabitants) in 2024 exclude the application.
- Reasonable housing costs: Rents up to the liberalisation threshold (€879.66 in 2024) are eligible; excessive costs in popular neighbourhoods such as De Pijp or Oost are scrutinised more critically.
- Temporary necessity: One-off situations such as job loss, divorce or illness; structural poverty is better suited to regular welfare.
The Amsterdam Work and Income Department (DWI) assesses individually and strictly due to high demand. Keep documents such as rental agreement, recent payslips and bank statements. In case of rejection: objection within 6 weeks via the online portal. The Amsterdam Legal Aid Office offers free advice, also at locations such as the city hall.
Note: this scheme does not cover energy costs (see Amsterdam's Energy Savings Fund) or special costs such as moving. Create a budget overview with the calculation tool on amsterdam.nl for a better chance. (247 words)