News item | 24-11-2025 | 08:31
From January 1, 2026, people with a higher rent will also be eligible for housing allowance. This means that more households in the Netherlands can receive housing allowance. Young people aged 21 and 22 can also sometimes receive a higher allowance. In addition, service costs will no longer be included in the calculation from 2026. With a test calculation toeslagen.nl/trialbecalculation Tenants can now see what the changes mean for them.
“From January, you will also be eligible for housing allowance if you pay a higher rent. This can make a big difference for many households. By making a test calculation, you will know where you stand in terms of housing allowance in 2026,” says State Secretary Sandra Palmen of Recovery and Allowances.
No longer a maximum rental limit
From 2026, the rent can no longer be too high to apply for housing allowance, as long as the other conditions are met. For example, a tenant’s income and assets may not exceed the permitted limits and the home must be an independent living space. For example, a maximum asset limit of 38,479 euros applies to singles in 2026.
Calculation of allowance in 2026
The amount of the housing allowance remains dependent on, among other things, income and the rent. For tenants aged 21 and over, the surcharge is calculated up to a maximum rent of 932.93 euros. If the rent is higher, no surcharge will be charged on the part above this amount. For young people aged 18 to 20, a maximum rental limit of 498.20 euros applies. For a lower rent, the surcharge is calculated on the basis of the actual rental price.
Young people aged 21 and 22
In 2025, young people aged 21 and 22 still fell below the lower youth limit. From 2026 they will no longer fall under that age limit, which means they can sometimes receive more housing allowance. In households with several young people, the Benefits Department generally looks at the age of the oldest resident. If he or she is 21 years or older, the higher maximum rental limit applies. Any exceptions are noted toeslagen.nl.
Service costs no longer count
From 2026, the Benefits Department will only count the basic rent in the calculation. Service costs are no longer included. If tenants did receive rent allowance on service costs in 2025, the Allowances Service will automatically adjust this.
Make a test calculation
With a test calculation toeslagen.nl/trialbecalculation Tenants can see how much rent allowance they can receive in 2026. After completing your personal situation, an indication of the future allowance will appear. Anyone who appears to be entitled to housing allowance in 2026 but does not yet receive it can apply for it via My allowances on toeslagen.nl.
Tenants who already receive benefits will receive a letter in December 2025 with the advance amount for 2026 based on the information known to the Benefits Department.
Report changes
Developments in your personal situation – such as a higher or lower income, a move or moving in together – can influence the amount of housing allowance.
Help nearby
On toeslagen.nl/huurtoeslag people can go for frequently asked questions. They can also call 0800 – 0543 or visit a nearby help point. All forms of help with this can be found at toeslagen.nl/hulp.