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Special Assistance Housing Costs Leiden

Special assistance for housing costs in Leiden provides temporary financial help for tenants and owners with high living expenses. Learn when you are entitled and how to apply at the municipality of Leiden.

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Special Assistance for Housing Costs in Leiden: Help with High Living Expenses

Special assistance for housing costs in Leiden is a one-off or temporary benefit from the municipality of Leiden for residents who have difficulty paying rent, mortgage or other housing expenses. This scheme prevents eviction due to acute financial problems. This article contains all the information about the rules in Leiden, conditions and the application with the municipality. For personal legal assistance, you can go to the Juridisch Loket Leiden, Stationsweg 46, Leiden.

What does special assistance for housing costs in Leiden entail?

In Leiden, special assistance for housing costs falls under the broader special assistance pursuant to the local Participation Act. It covers unexpected or high costs such as:

  • Rent arrears or sudden rent increase
  • Mortgage interest or repayment
  • WOZ-related real estate tax (OZB)
  • Heating and energy costs
  • Home repairs or service charges
The municipality of Leiden approves this for structural housing costs that exceed the benefit, especially in the region with high rents around the university and station district.

Legal Basis in Leiden

Based on the Participation Act (article 43), the municipality of Leiden supplements the benefit for unforeseen costs. The local Special Assistance Ordinance of the Municipality of Leiden specifies housing costs, with extra attention for Wmo support to maintain independent living. In case of disputes, you can go to the District Court of The Hague, Leiden Location.

Conditions for Special Assistance for Housing Costs in Leiden

You qualify if:

1. You receive a benefit from Leiden

You already receive benefit from the Work & Income Leiden team. No benefit? First apply for regular benefit via leiden.nl.

2. Special Housing Circumstances

Examples in Leiden:

  • Rent increase due to deregulation in neighbourhoods such as Stevenshof or Merenwijk
  • Rising energy bills due to expiration of price cap
  • Repairs to rental properties in older complexes
  • Income reduction due to job loss at local employers
  • Extra costs due to medical adaptations (Wmo)

3. Income Insufficient for Housing Costs

Leiden assesses your income, assets and spending pattern. Aids such as energy allowance may be taken into account in advance.

4. Participation in Debt Assistance or Reintegration

In case of debts, you must cooperate with Leiden debt assistance or a trajectory via SchuldHulpMaatje.

Application Procedure with the Municipality of Leiden

Apply via the municipality of Leiden:

  1. Contact Work & Income: Call 071 516 5130 or email werk.inkomen@leiden.nl. Location: Bargelaan 190, Leiden.
  2. Submit Application: Via online form with supporting documents (bills, income statement).
  3. Assessment: Decision within 8 weeks. Objection possible within 6 weeks.
  4. Need Help?: Make an appointment at Juridisch Loket Leiden, Stationsweg 46 (Mon-Wed 9-12).

Amounts and Tips for Leiden

Amounts vary: up to €1,500 one-off for rent/mortgage. Check the Leiden Ordinance 2024 on leiden.nl. Tip: Combine with rent allowance via the Tax Authorities.

Last updated: 2024. Always consult the municipality of Leiden for current rules.