More people eligible for housing benefit (‘huurtoeslag’)

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From 1 January 2026, people with higher rents will also be eligible for housing benefit. As a result, more households in The Netherlands will be able to receive housing benefit.

Youths aged 21 and 22 may sometimes receive a higher benefit. Additionally, from 2026, service charges will no longer be included in the calculation. Tenants can now use a trial calculation to see what these changes mean for them.

“From January, you will also be eligible for housing benefit with a higher rent. This could make a big difference for many households. By doing a trial calculation, you will know what to expect regarding housing benefit in 2026,” says Sandra Palmen, State Secretary for Recovery and Benefits.

No maximum rent limit anymore

From 2026, the rent can no longer be too high to apply for housing benefit, provided the other conditions are met. For example, the tenant's income and assets must not exceed the permitted limits, and the dwelling must be self-contained. For single persons in 2026, the maximum asset limit is €38,479.

Calculation of benefit in 2026

The amount of housing benefit will continue to depend, among other factors, on income and rent price. For tenants aged 21 and older, benefit is calculated up to a maximum rent of €932.93. If the rent is higher, no benefit is calculated on the portion above this amount.

For youths aged 18 to 20, a maximum rent limit of €498.20 applies. If the rent is lower, the benefit is calculated based on the actual rent price.

Youths aged 21 and 22

In 2025, youths aged 21 and 22 still fell under the lower youth limit. From 2026, they will no longer be subject to that age limit, meaning they may sometimes receive more housing benefit. In households with multiple youths, the Benefits Office generally looks at the age of the oldest resident. If this person is 21 or older, the higher maximum rent limit applies.

Any exceptions to the age limit can be found on toeslagen.nl.

Service charges no longer count

From 2026, the Benefits Office will only use the basic rent to calculate housing benefit. Service charges will no longer be included. If tenants received housing benefit on service charges in 2025, the Benefits Office will automatically adjust this.

Trial calculation

With a trial calculation at toeslagen.nl/proefberekening, tenants can find out how much housing benefit they may receive in 2026. After entering their personal situation, they will see an indication of their future benefit. Those who are entitled to housing benefit in 2026 but do not yet receive it can apply via Mijn toeslagen at toeslagen.nl.

Tenants who already receive benefits will be sent a letter in December 2025 with the advance amount for 2026, based on the information known to the Benefits Office.

Reporting changes

Developments in your personal situation – such as a higher or lower income, moving house, or starting to live together – may affect the amount of housing benefit.

Support in your area

For frequently asked questions, people can visit toeslagen.nl/huurtoeslag. They can also call 0800-0543 or go to a local support centre. All forms of help can be found at toeslagen.nl/hulp.

Source: Government of The Netherlands

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