Eligibility for housing benefits
To be eligible for housing benefits in Denmark, you must meet certain criteria, such as having a low income, living in a rented apartment or house, and being a Danish citizen or permanent resident.
Additionally, the housing unit you are renting must meet certain standards, such as being safe, sanitary, and in good repair. As an international student in Denmark, you may be eligible for housing benefits, if you meet the criteria, e.g. have a valid residence permit, are enrolled in a full-time educational programme, and meet the income and other requirements for housing benefits. See eligibility requirements for housing benefits in Denmark here!
Calculating housing benefits
The amount of housing benefit you receive depends on several factors, including your income, the number of people in your household, the size of your rental unit, and the cost of rent. In general, the more you earn, the less housing benefit you will receive. You can calculate your housing benefit here. NB! The calculator is in Danish, so you may need to use Google translate.
The amount you receive is adjusted annually based on changes in your income and rent. If you move to a new rental unit, you will need to reapply for housing benefits.
Applying for housing benefits
To apply for housing benefits in Denmark go to lifeindenmark.borger.dk. Here, you can apply digitally. The application system itself is in Danish, but there are thorough instructions available in English. You logon using MitID, so you are not able to apply for housing benefits until you have this in place. You can apply 2 months before you move in at the earliest.
You need documentation of your income such as a bank statement, pay slip, SU statement or the like, and your rental agreement stating your monthly rent to apply.
Receiving and using housing benefits
If you provide all necessary documentation, it will take app. 7 weeks to process your application and if approved, the money will be paid directly to your NemKonto if you are renting from a private landlord. If you are renting through a housing association, housing benefits will be paid to the association and deducted from your rent. If you are sharing an apartment, only one of the residents can receive housing benefits. The amount is tax free.
Make sure to notify Udbetaling Danmark if something changes, e.g. your income changes, your roommate moves out or the like, you rent increases or decreases, as this may have an influence on your housing benefit.