Social housing: income limit 2024
The income limit for social housing determines whether you are eligible for a home in the social housing sector. This limit is set by the government and varies by region and rental type. In 2024, a maximum income applies to qualify for social housing. This limit is intended to ensure that rental homes remain affordable for people with low or average incomes.
What is social housing and the income limit?
Social housing is a form of rental housing where the rent is kept low to remain affordable for households with limited income. The income limit is a maximum amount that your annual income may not exceed to qualify for social housing. This limit is set annually under the Rent Allowance Act and the Housing Act.
The income limit is calculated based on:
- The gross annual income of all household members.
- The number of persons in the household.
- The region where you want to live (limits vary by municipality).
Legal basis
The rules regarding social housing and the income limit are laid down in:
- Housing Act (articles 1.1 and 5.1): Contains the general rules for social housing and rent regulation.
- Rent Allowance Act (articles 1.1 and 1.2): Determines who is eligible for rent allowance and which income limits apply.
- Decree on income limit for social housing: Set annually by the Ministry of IenW (Infrastructure and Water Management).
In 2024, the income limit for social housing is based on the rent allowance standards. These standards are used to determine whether you are eligible for social housing. The exact amounts vary by region, but below you will find an overview of the average income limits by household size (2024).
Income limit social housing 2024
The income limit for social housing is determined by the gross annual income of the household. Below you will find an indicative table of the income limits for 2024. These amounts depend on the region and may vary slightly by municipality.
| Number of persons in the household | Income limit (gross annual income) | Average social housing rent (2024) |
|---|---|---|
| 1 person | € 35,000 - € 40,000 | € 650 - € 800 per month |
| 2 persons | € 45,000 - € 52,000 | € 750 - € 900 per month |
| 3 persons | € 55,000 - € 62,000 | € 850 - € 1,000 per month |
| 4 persons | € 65,000 - € 72,000 | € 950 - € 1,100 per month |
| 5+ persons | € 75,000 - € 85,000 | € 1,050 - € 1,200 per month |
Important: These amounts are indicative. The exact income limit is determined by your municipality or housing association. You can find the precise limit on the website of your municipality or with your housing association.
Examples of social housing and income limit
To better understand the income limit, here are some practical examples.
Example 1: Single tenant
Situation: Anna is 30 years old and lives alone. Her gross annual income is € 38,000.
Question: Is Anna eligible for social housing?
Answer: Anna’s income is just above the income limit for a single person (€ 35,000 - € 40,000). In most cases, she will not qualify, unless the municipality or housing association allows exceptions (for example, in specific circumstances such as care costs or student finance).
Example 2: Family with two children
Situation: The Van Dijk family consists of two adults and two children. Their combined gross income is € 60,000.
Question: Are they allowed to rent social housing?
Answer: For a household of four persons, the income limit is between € 65,000 and € 72,000. Their income of € 60,000 falls within this limit, so yes, they qualify for social housing.
Example 3: Students
Situation: Three students live together and receive a combined student finance of € 12,000 per year.
Question: Are they allowed to rent social housing?