How housing allowance is calculated
The amount of housing allowance you receive depends on the relationship between the household’s income and housing expenses.
Housing allowance is calculated by the following formula:
Approved housing expenses (there are upper limits for housing expenses)
– personal contribution (higher if your qualifying income is higher)
= total x 73.7%* = housing allowance
Eligible housing costs
There are limits on the housing costs that can be included when calculating housing allowance. If your housing costs exceed the maximum limit, we will use the maximum limit in the calculation.
The limit that applies to your household depends on where you live and the number of people in your household.
Read more about which housing costs are included in the calculation.
Income used in the calculation
The income used in the calculation is the actual income received by your household during the month for which you are applying for housing allowance.
A child's income and assets are not included in the calculation.
Read more about the income we use in the calculation.
Your contribution
Your contribution is the portion of your housing costs that your household is expected to pay itself. The amount is based on the number of people in your household and your household's actual monthly income.
Maximum income limit
You are not eligible for housing allowance if your income exceeds the maximum income limit.
The income limit depends on the number of people in your household and where you live.
Read more about who is entitled to housing allowance.
More favourable calculation for young disability benefit recipients
People receiving disability benefits with young disabled status under Sections 12-13 and 12-14 of the National Insurance Act are entitled to a more favourable calculation of their own contribution.
Please note that this rule only applies to recipients of ordinary disability benefits under Chapter 12 of the National Insurance Act, and to recipients of occupational injury disability benefits calculated under the same rules.
Transitional arrangement for disability benefit recipient
If you received housing allowance in December 2014 and were receiving disability benefits, you are covered by a transitional arrangement. Under this arrangement, a deduction is made from your income before your housing allowance is calculated.
The deduction is shown in the most recent decision you received.
Minimum payment
We do not pay housing allowance if the amount is less than NOK 61 per month.