Are you moving and will you receive housing allowance? Then you probably want to know what happens to your allowance, especially if you move halfway through the month. Don't worry, we at Moving.nl will explain to you in detail about rent allowance and moving.
What is housing benefit and who is eligible for it?
Imagine: you're just like Spiderman, but instead of a spider web you shoot a safety net of affordability. That's exactly what housing benefit does! It accommodates people with a low income so that they do not fall through the bottom of their pockets.
But not everyone can call on this financial superhero. You must meet a few conditions:
- You are 18+
- You rent an independent living space (not a room with your parents!)
- You are registered at your rental address
- Your income and assets are not too high
- Your rent is not higher than the maximum rental limit
Please note: these conditions are subject to change. Therefore, always check the Tax Authorities website for the latest updates.
Moving and housing benefit: The basic rules
Imagine that your housing benefit is a GPS. If you move, you must enter a new destination. Otherwise, your allowance will continue to cycle around your old address!
When do you have to report your move?
As soon as you know when you are moving, let us know. Ideally, you should do this at least four weeks in advance. Are you moving mid-month? Then it is extra important to sound the alarm on time.
How do you report your move?
You have three options:
- Via My Allowances on the Tax Authorities website
- Call the Tax Telephone
- Send a change form
Don't forget to also register at your new address with the municipality. The Tax Authorities check whether you are really where you say you are!
Moving halfway through the month: What happens to your housing benefit?
If you move mid-month, your housing allowance becomes a bit like a shared pizza. One piece for the old address, one piece for the new one.
Let's see how that works:
- Old house: You will receive housing allowance until the day you move.
- New house: From the day you are registered at your new address, you can receive rental allowance for your new home (if you meet all the conditions).
- Transition period: In the moving month you will therefore receive a 'split' rent allowance.
For example:
| Situation | Rent allowance |
|---|---|
| June 1-15 | Old house |
| June 16-30 | New house |
Suppose you move on June 15. You will receive rent allowance for your old home until June 15. From June 16 (if you are registered then) you will receive it for your new home.
Is it convenient to move halfway through the month?
Moving halfway through the month is like eating a peanut butter sandwich. Some love it, others hate it. It depends on your personal situation.
Advantages:
- You have more flexibility in your moving date
- Moving companies may be cheaper during quiet periods
Cons:
- Your housing allowance is calculated more complicatedly
- You might pay double rent for part of the month
- You have to do extra paperwork
An advisor from the Woonbond once said: “When planning a move, you should not only look at the rent allowance. Also consider practical matters such as the availability of a verhuisbedrijf and the notice period of your current rental contract.
Consequences of moving for your benefits
Moving can have consequences for all your benefits, not just the housing benefit. It's like dominoes: if one falls, the others can follow.
Here is an overview of possible consequences:
- Rental allowance:
- May change due to new rental price
- Stops when you move to an owner-occupied home
- Healthcare allowance:
- Usually no direct consequences, unless your income situation changes due to the move
- Child related budget:
- This can change if you move in together or become single
- Childcare allowance:
- May change if you move closer to or further from work
After your move, it is smart to make a test calculation for all your allowances. This way you avoid being faced with surprises later.
Step-by-step guide: Arranging rent allowance when moving mid-month
Think of arranging your housing benefit as baking a cake. Follow these steps and you will have a perfect housing allowance cake!
- Preparation (4-6 weeks before move)
- Check whether you meet the conditions for housing benefit at your new address
- Make a test calculation of your new rental allowance
- Report your move (as soon as the date is known)
- Report your move to the Tax Authorities
- Indicate the exact date of move
- During the moving month
- Register at your new address with the municipality
- Keep all relevant documents (rental contract, registration certificate)
- After the move
- Check whether the change has been processed in My allowances
- If necessary, make a new application for housing allowance
- Aftercare (1-2 months after moving)
- Check whether you receive the correct housing allowance
- Correct any errors as quickly as possible
By following these steps you will ensure that your housing allowance is adjusted correctly, even if you move halfway through the month.
Frequently asked questions about moving mid-month and rent allowance
- Ask: Do I receive double rent allowance in the moving month? Answer: No, you will not receive double rent allowance. The allowance is divided between your old and new home, based on the exact moving date.
- Ask: What if my new rent is higher or lower? Answer: If your new rent differs from your old rent, your housing allowance will be recalculated. This may result in a higher or lower allowance, depending on the new rent and whether it falls within the maximum rent limit.
- Ask: What about housing allowance if I temporarily do not have a rental contract? Answer: You can only receive housing allowance for periods in which you have a valid rental contract and are registered at that address. You cannot receive housing allowance for any interim periods without a rental contract.
- Ask: Can I apply for rent allowance retroactively after moving? Answer: Yes, you can apply for housing benefit retroactively for up to 3 months. However, it is always better to arrange this as soon as possible to avoid problems.
Tips for a smooth transition from housing allowance when moving
- Plan ahead: Start arranging your housing allowance for the new situation well in advance.
- Document everything: Keep all relevant documents, such as your new rental contract and registration certificate.
- Use online tools: Use the test calculation on the Tax Authorities website.
- Stay alert: Check your first payments after the move to make sure everything has been processed correctly.
- Ask for help: If in doubt, contact the Tax Authorities or a housing consultant for advice.
A financial advisor at Nibud once said: “Good preparation is half the battle. By taking all the necessary steps for your housing benefit in a timely manner, you will make your move a lot less stressful.”
Everything in a row
Moving halfway through the month has specific consequences for your housing benefit. It's like crossing a busy street: with the right preparation and attention, you can get to the other side safely.
By being well prepared and reporting all changes in a timely manner, you ensure that your rental allowance is adjusted correctly. Remember that every situation is unique. If in doubt, it is always wise to contact the Tax Authorities for personal advice.
Moving can be stressful, but with the right information and preparation, your housing allowance does not have to cause additional headaches. Always stay well informed about the current rules and conditions and do not hesitate to ask for help if something is not clear.
A smooth transition of your housing benefit contributes to a carefree start in your new home. And that is exactly what we want to achieve for you at Moving.nl. Good luck with your move!
