How do I qualify for an energy allowance?

Energy prices have risen enormously in the past period. Households with an income of € 2,070 (per month) or lower may be eligible for the energy allowance. This allowance is intended to help households with the rising energy bill. The municipality pays out this amount. The energy allowance is available for approximately 850,000 households. The municipalities have only identified 350,000 households. So it may be that you are entitled to it, but the municipality has not yet noticed you.

 

About the energy allowance

The energy allowance is intended to help households with the rising energy bill and has no impact on the rent, healthcare, or child allowance.

Is your income € 2,070 (per month) or lower? Then you may be eligible. The allowance can amount to approximately € 800 and is applied for at the municipality. The amount is therefore linked to a household of one or more persons living at a certain address.

Most residents with social assistance benefits will receive an amount of € 800 automatically in their account before April 1, 2022. Do you have a low income without social assistance benefits? Then you can soon apply for the energy allowance at your municipality. 

 

Role of the municipality

To know exactly how the energy allowance works in your municipality, contact the municipality or visit them.

The government provides the municipality with guidelines for the implementation of the energy allowance. The municipality determines:

• Which target group receives the energy allowance.
• The period over which the income is considered.
• Whether assets are included and in what way.
• The amount of the energy allowance.

 

Income limit

The exact income limits differ per municipality. The national guideline from the government is to allow people with an income up to 120% of the social minimum to be eligible for the energy allowance.

The social minimum is the amount that someone needs to live on according to the government. That amount is not the same for everyone. How high the social minimum is for you depends on your age and living situation. The Ministry of Social Affairs and Employment determines the amount.

Below you will find the national guideline. If your income is lower or just slightly higher than the guideline, contact your municipality and ask if you can apply.

 

	National guideline
Married/equivalent	€ 2,070
Single aged 21 and older	€ 1,501
Single aged 20	€ 1,134
Single aged 19	€ 824
Single aged 18	€ 690