MP Semiray Ahmedova from the Greenes recently enquired about the government’s progress in paying out rent subsidies. According to Minister Kox, about 42,000 households are thought to be eligible for rent subsidies. However, only 7,303 had received the aid by beginning of October.
Although the number has slowly increased over time, it remains clear that only a fraction of households eligible for a rent subsidy actually request it. Ahead of the adaptations made in summer, only one in five made a demand. Minister Kox acknowledged in a recent Chamber session that the message still has not reached those in need.
Thanks to the tripartite agreement, the rent subsidy has become more accessible in theory and maximum amounts have increased to €400 per month. For people living alone, the subsidy increased by 18%, for parents with two children, it went up by 16%. In August, demands increased by 111% to reach 582, in September they went up by 160% and reached 714.
Looking back further in time, Minister Kox also noted that very few subsidies were paid out six years ago. In 2016, the government only helped 1,090 households cover their rent, which cost €837,270. In comparison, next year’s budget amounts to €25 million. An additional €3 to €5 million will be reserved for respective information campaigns.
