One of the perks of living in Holland is that our government, although slow as a snare, is almost always willing to help us (or at least people like me: everything except \u2018rich and famous\u2019) out. So here I am, writing from my little-nut-really-mine-apartment, that I can pay thanks to the people from Den Haag (The Hague). This is called \u2018huurtoeslag\u2019 (subsidized renting). Let me explain what it is and if you are also one of those lucky ones who gets sympathy from our government.<\/p>\n
The government\u00a0 explains huurtoeslag like this:\u00a0 \u201chuurtoeslag is financial addition you can apply for if your rent is too high compared to your income. It doesn\u2019t matter if you rent your house through a housing corporation or on the free market.\u201d<\/p>\n
Now don\u2019t expect you can move into a penthouse and let the government pay for it. There are (we are still in Holland) some rules and relative poverty is required:<\/p>\n
–\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 You have to live in Holland legally<\/p>\n
–\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Your rent must be lower than 647,53 euro\u2019s a month. If you are younger than 23, rent must be lower than 357,37 euro\u2019s.<\/p>\n
–\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 You can\u2019t make more than 21.450 euro\u2019s a year when you are alone, and 29.125 euro\u2019s is you live with someone. If you are older than 65, your salary has to have a limit of 20.200 euro\u2019s when you are alone, and 27.575 euro\u2019s when you live together.<\/p>\n
–\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 You can\u2019t have more than 20.661 euro\u2019s in savings or investments<\/p>\n
–\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 You have to rent an independent living space (meaning your own front door, room, kitchen and toilet)<\/p>\n
How much you will receive from the government depends on different aspects, but usually it will be between the 100 and 300 euro\u2019s. You can calculate your own situation here: http:\/\/www.toeslagen.nl\/reken\/toeslagen\/<\/a><\/p>\n Good luck!<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" One of the perks of living in Holland is that our government, although slow as a snare, is almost always willing to help us (or at least people like me: everything except \u2018rich and famous\u2019) out. So here I am, writing from my little-nut-really-mine-apartment, that I can pay thanks to the people from Den Haag…<\/p>\n