Understanding 'Boligstøtte'
"Boligstøtte" means housing benefit and is designed to help residents with their rental costs. Here's a detailed explanation to help internationals understand how it works.
What is Boligstøtte?
Boligstøtte is a government-provided financial support that helps cover a portion of your rent. It is available to individuals and families who meet certain criteria, making housing more affordable.
Who is Eligible?
- Tenants in rented housing: You must be living in rented accommodation. Boligstøtte is not available for homeowners.
- Permanent residence: You must have a permanent residence in Denmark and be registered with the Danish Civil Registration System (CPR).
- Household income: Your eligibility and the amount you receive depend on your household income. Lower income households receive more support.
- Housing type: The size and type of your rental property also affect your eligibility.
How Does Boligstøtte Work?
- Application process: You can apply for boligstøtte online through Borger.dk, the Danish citizens' portal. You will need MitID to log in and complete the application.
- Required information: You will need to provide details about your rental agreement, household income, and other relevant information.
- Calculation of benefit: The amount of boligstøtte you receive is calculated based on:
- Your household’s total income
- The size and cost of your rental property
- The number of people living in your household
- Monthly payment: Once approved, boligstøtte is paid monthly, directly into your bank account or directly to your housing association who will deduct it from your rent.
Important Points to Note:
- Changes in circumstances: If your income, rent, or household composition changes, you must update your information, as this can affect your boligstøtte amount.
- Duration: You can receive boligstøtte as long as you meet the eligibility criteria. There is no fixed duration, but it is reviewed periodically.
- Repayment: If you receive more boligstøtte than you are entitled to (e.g., due to changes in your income that were not reported), you may be required to repay the excess amount.
Steps to apply for Boligstøtte
- Gather information: Collect details about your income, rental agreement, and household members.
- Apply online: Go to Borger.dk and log in with MitID.
- Fill Out the form: Complete the application form with accurate information.
- Submit: Submit your application and wait for a response.
- Receive decision: You will be notified of the decision and the amount you are eligible to receive.