Living allowance if you fled from Ukraine

When you come to the Netherlands as a refugee from Ukraine, you get money for food, clothing and other personal expenses. This is called living allowance. You get this money as long as you do not have your own income. Both adults and children are entitled to this money.

How much money you get depends on your family composition. And also whether the reception centre where you are staying makes food for you. Did you come to the Netherlands with your family? Then you will get a lower amount of food money per person than if you are on your own. Do you live in a municipal reception centre (GOO) where food is made for you? Then you will not receive any food money.

Are you entitled to living allowance? Then the amount you get per month depends in part on your age and family composition. In all situations, you will receive € 62.66 for clothing. If you live with a host family, you will also get €80.91 for other expenses per person. If you live in the municipality's reception centre, you will not receive money for other expenses.

The amount for food money varies depending on the situation:

• You get €242.48 food money per month.

• There are 2 of you: €242.48 food money per person per month.

• There are 3 of you: €193.98 food money per person per month.

• There are 4 or more of you: € 169.74 food money per person per month.

• There are 2 of you: €200.65 food money per person per month.

• There are 3 of you: €160.64 food money per person per month.

• There are 4 or more of you: € 140.34 food money per person per month.

You will not receive living allowance if you work or have any other form of income. This applies to all refugees from Ukraine aged 18 and older who earn money. It does not matter how high your income is.

Not only income from work applies to this new rule. In the following situations, you will no longer receive living allowance:

• If you make money because you have a job

• If you receive income from an

  unemployment benefit (WW-benefit)

• If you receive benefits because you are long-term sick or unable to work

Not sure if your income counts because it is not one of the above situations? Then contact your contact person at the municipality.

Do you have an income as described above and live in a municipal reception centre (GOO)? As of 1 July 2024, you will start paying a contribution to the municipality for this shelter. This money will be used to cover part of the cost of gas, water, electricity and possibly meals.

For gas, water and electricity, you pay € 105.- per adult (18 years or older) with an income. If your family consists of 2 adults and children, you pay a maximum of 2 times € 105.- for gas, water and electricity. So that's € 210.- in total.

If meals are cooked for you at your location, you pay an extra amount of up to € 242.48 per adult (18 years or older) with an income. You pay this even if you don't always eat at the reception centre. For a family with 2 adults and children, you pay a maximum of 2 times € 242.48 for food. So that's € 484.96 in total.

The government is introducing this contribution because it thinks it is fairer. Other groups of refugees in the Netherlands pay a contribution if they have an income. The exact amount of your contribution depends on your income. After paying your contribution, you will have at least the same amount left over as those who do not work and receive a government living allowance.

If you don't earn an income, you don't have to pay a contribution for the municipal reception centre or the food you get there.

You are required to give the municipality information about your income and the composition of your family. Even if something changes in your income or family. Are you not providing this information? Or if it appears that you have concealed income. Then the municipality can withdraw your allowance and oblige you to pay your own contribution. It does not matter whether you have an income or not.

Do you disagree with the decision that you have to pay a co-payment? Then you can file an objection. Objecting means that you officially say that you disagree and that you want it to be reviewed. You do this with the help of a lawyer.