A Historical Benefit
The woonlastentoeslag was a specific form of financial aid that was previously provided by some, but not all, municipalities (gemeenten) in the Netherlands. It was designed to help residents with a low income who faced relatively high housing costs (woonlasten - rent plus service charges and taxes), particularly if those costs were not fully alleviated by the national huurtoeslag (rent allowance). It acted as a local, supplementary benefit.
Current Status: Phased Out and Replaced
It is important for tenants to know that the woonlastentoeslag as a distinct, separate program has been phased out and discontinued by the vast majority of municipalities. National legislation changes in the social support system have led cities to consolidate their financial aid programs.
The function that the woonlastentoeslag once served has now been almost entirely absorbed by the more general bijzondere bijstand (special assistance) scheme. Tenants who encounter the term woonlastentoeslag in outdated articles or on old municipal web pages should understand that this is historical information. If they need help with exceptional housing costs today, the correct and current procedure is to inquire about and apply for bijzondere bijstand at their local municipality.