Who qualifies for housing benefit and how to apply

What it is. Municipal support that helps cover housing costs for people whose income falls below a set threshold.

Who may qualify. Families with children, pensioners, people with disabilities, and other low-income households. The exact thresholds and how they’re calculated are set by law and change over time.

What it covers. Part of your housing costs. Property management, heating, water, electricity, waste collection.

Where to apply. At your municipality’s social service office.

What you’ll usually need. An application, income details, information about your home, and your bills.

Why it’s worth talking about openly. A significant number of people who qualify never claim the benefit, simply because they don’t know it exists or feel embarrassed to ask.

A practical tip. If paying your bills gets hard, don’t start by letting debt build up. First find out whether you qualify for support, and at the same time talk to your manager about a payment schedule.