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Special Assistance Housing Costs Utrecht

Special assistance for housing costs in Utrecht provides temporary financial help for tenants and owners with high living expenses. Discover the conditions and application procedure with the municipality of Utrecht.

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Special Assistance Housing Costs Utrecht: help with high housing costs

Special assistance housing costs in Utrecht is a one-off or temporary supplement from the municipality of Utrecht for residents who have difficulty paying their housing costs, such as rent, mortgage or energy costs. This scheme helps prevent Utrecht residents from losing their home due to financial hardship. In this article you will find everything about the Utrecht rules, conditions and how to apply for the assistance.

What does special assistance housing costs in Utrecht entail?

In Utrecht, special assistance housing costs falls under the broader special assistance. It concerns an extra benefit for necessary housing costs, including:

  • Rent for your home
  • Mortgage interest and repayment
  • Service charges and maintenance
  • Increased energy costs
  • One-off moving costs in case of necessity
The municipality of Utrecht provides this in unforeseen situations, such as a rent increase, unexpected repairs or income reduction due to job loss.

Legal basis in Utrecht

The scheme is based on the Participation Act (successor to the Work and Assistance Act), article 43. The municipality of Utrecht can provide extra support in exceptional circumstances if the assistance is insufficient. In addition, Utrecht often refers to the Social Support Act 2015 for home retention. Check the municipal website for current policy rules.

Conditions for special assistance housing costs in Utrecht

To qualify, you must meet these Utrecht requirements:

1. You receive assistance or minimum income

You receive benefits from the municipality of Utrecht or have an income around the benefit level. No benefits? First apply for benefits in Utrecht.

2. Exceptional, unforeseen necessity

Examples in Utrecht:

  • Sudden rent increase due to indexation.
  • Repair costs after storm damage.
  • Explosion of energy bills due to price increases.
  • Income drop due to illness or dismissal.
  • Deferral of rent payment due to corona-related problems.

3. Income and expenses in balance

Utrecht checks your total budget: regular assistance must first be insufficient. Own assets above the exemption count.

4. Participation in debt assistance or reintegration

In case of debts, you must cooperate with Utrecht's debt assistance trajectory, such as via the Work and Income Team.

How do you apply for special assistance housing costs in Utrecht?

Follow these steps with the municipality of Utrecht:

  1. Contact Work and Income Team: Call 14 030, email werk-en-inkomen@utrecht.nl or visit the city office (South Lane 11).
  2. Submit application: Fill in the online form via MiWork or download the paper form.
  3. Attach proof: Upload bills, rental agreement, income statement and bank statements.
  4. Wait for decision: Decision within 8 weeks. Interim objection possible.

Need help? Organisations in Utrecht

  • District Court Midden-Nederland: Vrouwe Justitiaplein 1, Utrecht – for objection procedures.
  • Legal Counter Utrecht: Catharijnesingel 55 – free advice on your application.
  • Municipality of Utrecht: utrecht.nl

Frequently asked questions

Can I get special assistance without benefits? No, but Utrecht looks at comparable income situations.

How high is the supplement? Depending on costs, often €500-€2000 one-off.

Do you have questions? Contact the Legal Counter Utrecht or the municipality.