Do you live in the municipal shelter? And do you have a source of income? If so, you are required to pay a personal contribution to stay in the municipal accommodation. This is to cover the costs for gas, water, electricity and other accommodation expenses.
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Why do you have to pay a contribution?
The personal contribution is written in the law. The government believes that if you have a source of income, you are able to contribute to the cost of accommodation. It is also fairer, as other refugees with a source of income are also required to pay a personal contribution.
Increase in personal contribution with effect from 1 January 2026
The true cost of providing shelter to refugees from Ukraine is much higher than what you are paying at the moment. The government wants people at the shelter who earn an income to take on a greater share of the cost, and has increased the personal contribution as a result:
- You will now contribute to costs other than gas, water and electricity. The expenses in question are necessary to ensure the shelter can function properly: staff and maintenance costs, for example. These are also referred to as ‘overheads’.
- The amount will go up from € 105 to € 244,22 per month, per adult. If your family consists of two adults and two children, you will pay a maximum of two times € 244,22 from 1 January 2026, or € 488,44 in total.
In Utrecht, the increase will come into effect on 1 January 2026. If you are living in a municipal shelter, you will also receive a letter about these changes.
If you are concerned or if you have any questions, of if there is any specific reason why you won’t be able to pay, please let us know. You can do so by contacting eigenbijdrage.oekraine@utrecht.nl. We’ll explore the options with you.
You can read more about the personal contribution on the Refugeehelp website.
You’ll keep more of what you earn when you’re in work
Whether or not you need to pay a personal contribution depends on how much income you receive. After paying the personal contribution, you (or your family) must have an amount left over that is at least equal to or more than 125% of the amount you would have received as a living allowance.
Personal contribution per month (with effect from 1 January 2026)
- You’ll need to pay a personal contribution when your (joint) income exceeds a specific threshold amount.
- The exact threshold we use is 125%. This means you will need to pay a personal contribution if your income is higher than 125% of the amount you would have received as a living allowance.
- The amount differs depending on your family situation.
| Family situation | Income threshold (125% of you living allowance) | Personal contribution |
|---|---|---|
| 1 adult | € 637,77 | € 244,22 |
| 2 adult | € 1.275,54 | € 488,44 |
| 1 adult and 1 minor | € 978,66 | € 244,22 |
| 1 adult and 2 minors | € 1.193,38 | € 244,22 |
| 1 adult and 3 minors | € 1.384,97 | € 244,22 |
| 2 adults and 1 minor | € 1.482,30 | € 488,44 |
| 2 adults and 2 minors | € 1.668,59 | € 488,44 |
| 2 adults and 3 minors | € 1.943,93 | € 488,44 |
| 2 adults and 4 minors | € 2.219,27 | € 488,44 |
What counts as income?
- Income from work in the Netherlands or abroad.
- Income from benefits, such as:
- Unemployment benefit (WW).
- Benefits because you are ill or unable to work.
Letter about paying a personal contribution
If you are required to pay a personal contribution, you will receive a letter with more information. The letter will state the amount you owe. You will then receive a monthly invoice. You must transfer the payment to the municipality on time each month. The invoice will tell you how to do so. Would you rather transfer the payment automatically at fixed times? You can arrange this with your bank yourself. We can not arrange this for you.
Providing information about your income and family
Do you live in a municipal shelter? Or do you receive living allowance? If one or both apply to you, we need information about your income and family.
- You report your income and changes directly yourself. If something has changed in your income, family or home address, you must inform us immediately. Changes may affect the personal contribution and living allowance.
Report changes - You are required to share information when we ask for it. We can ask you for information about your income and your family. For example, in a letter or email. It is mandatory to provide that information.
- We can also see how much income you have received, and we will check these details.
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