Housing benefit
Housing benefit is financial assistance for individuals with low incomes and high housing expenses. You must apply to the municipality for housing benefit.
Description
You can apply for housing benefit if your household has a low income and high housing costs. There are upper limits on the income you can have to qualify.
With some exceptions, anyone over the age of 18 can apply. The Norwegian State Housing Bank (Husbanken) and the municipality collaborate on the housing benefit program. The municipality processes your application and is your point of contact.
The application deadline is the 25th of each month. Housing benefit is paid on the 20th of the following month after your application is submitted.
If you believe there is an error in the decision, you can appeal to the municipality.
You must report any changes that may affect your housing benefit calculation.
Target group
Read about who can receive housing benefits here.
Criteria/conditions
Anyone over 18 years old can apply for housing benefit, except for students and individuals in military service. However, you may still apply if you:
- Are a student without children, and your studies are part of a public employment-oriented program
- Are under 18 years old and have children.
Brochures, documents, maps, etc.
Cooperating authorities
The Norwegian National Housing Bank and the municipality work together on the housing benefit scheme. The municipality handles all contact with you as an applicant.
Acts
The Norwegian National Housing Bank/the municipality is obligated to ensure that this service is provided.
Guidelines – applying for, or receiving the service
You can apply for housing benefits online or by mail. Mail your paper application to the municipality. Contact the municipality if you have questions or need assistance.
Administrative procedure
The municipality receives and verifies your application. When processing the application, information is collected from various public agencies such as the National Population Register, Tax Administration (Skatteetaten), and NAV. The Norwegian State Housing Bank (Husbanken) makes the formal decision on the benefit.
Possibilities to appeal; procedure
If you believe there is an error in the decision, you can appeal within three weeks from the date you received the decision. The appeal must be sent to the municipality.
When submitting an appeal, you must include:
- Your name, personal identification number, and case details
- An explanation of what you believe is incorrect and why you think the decision should be changed
- Your signature and relevant documentation
The municipality can assist you with the appeal.
The Norwegian State Housing Bank (Husbanken) processes appeals within two to eight weeks and will send you a new decision.
If your appeal is not upheld, you can request that your case be reviewed by the independent appeals board for Husbanken.
If you wish to apply for housing benefit for future months, you must submit a new application.
Tjenesten oppdatert: 17.02.2025 10:23