Housing Allowance: Approval of an Increase
Service description
While you are currently receiving housing assistance, you can submit a new application for a higher housing allowance to help cover your housing costs if
- your total income has decreased,
- the number of household members to be taken into account has increased, or
- your rent or mortgage payment has increased.
These changes may, but do not necessarily, lead to an increase in housing assistance.
You must submit your application for an increased housing allowance to your local housing allowance agency. The agency will then review whether you meet the eligibility requirements.
The increase in housing assistance takes effect as of the date the application is filed. As a general rule, a retroactive increase in housing assistance is not possible.
Procedure
You can only receive a higher housing allowance if you submit an application for an increase. You must submit the
application for an increase to the housing allowance authority responsible for your case. Once the application has been processed, the housing allowance authority will issue a decision.Prerequisites
Requirements for an increase in housing assistance:
- a reduction in income of more than 10%,
- the increase in the number of household members,
- an increase in rent or in mortgage payments of more than 10%.
These changes may, but do not necessarily, result in an increase in housing assistance.
What documents are required?
You must include the following documents with your application for an increase in housing assistance:
- Proof of income (pay stubs, pension statements, etc.),
- if applicable, proof of a rent increase,
- Documents regarding the costs associated with the home you live in, if you are the owner,
- Evidence of the change that has occurred.
What deadlines do I have to observe?
The increase in housing assistance takes effect as of the date the application is filed. As a general rule, a retroactive increase in housing assistance is not possible.
Legal basis
Legal remedy
Objection
What else should I know?
If your financial situation or living circumstances have improved or changed, your housing allowance may be reduced. You are therefore required to notify the housing allowance authority immediately of any changes that could lead
to a reduction in your housing allowance.