Rent allowance

If you live with someone, the income that your ‘allowance partner’ receives is included in the calculation of your household income and household wealth. An allowance partner can include: your spouse, the person with whom you have a cohabitation agreement, the person with whom you have a child, a sibling or a friend who lives with you.

Should your situation change, you must notify the Dutch Tax Administration. A change can include: the addition or departure of a allowance partner, a change in income level, relocation or a change in the rent.

Application conditions

• You are 18 years of age or older. 
• All members of your household are registered at your address with the municipality. 
•  You rent an independent accommodation with its own entrance, bathroom and kitchen.
• The rental price must be within a certain range. The maximum and minimum levels depend on your household situation and age, and are adjusted annually.
• Your household income and wealth must be below a certain level. The maximum levels depend on your household situation and age, and are adjusted annually.
• You and any other members of your household either are Dutch nationals or hold valid residence permits. If you have submitted an application for a residence permit to the IND, you will only qualify for the allowance if you have had a valid residence status in the past and also received the allowance at that time.

Rent allowance application

You can apply for the rent allowance at http://www.toeslagen.nl (Dutch only)
You can also order a paper application form by phone on 0800-0543 (note: the options menu is in Dutch only). Alternatively, you can pick one up at your local Tax Administration office (Dutch only).