Since 1 July 2024 refugees from Ukraine with income from work or other sources have had to pay a personal contribution if they are staying in municipal accommodation. They do not receive a subsistence allowance.

Refugees who must pay a personal contribution

Refugees from Ukraine must pay towards the cost of their accommodation if they:

  • are aged 18 or over; and
  • stay in municipal accommodation

and they

  • have a job; or
  • receive unemployment benefit (WW); or
  • receive a benefit on the grounds of long-term illness or incapacity for work.

Refugees only need to pay the personal contribution if their income is more then 115% of the subsistence allowance + personal contribution combined.

Personal contribution amounts as of 1 August 2026

As of 1 August 2026 refugees from Ukraine must pay:

  • maximum €244.22 per adult (aged 18 or over) per month for operating costs, up to a maximum of €488.44 per family;
  • maximum €260.97 per adult (aged 18 or over) for food if meals are served in the municipal accommodation, regardless of family composition. This applies even if they don’t always eat there. The maximum amount per family (with 2 adults) in a location where meals are served is €992.80 per month.

Municipalities can also withdraw only part of the subsistence allowance and collect only part of the personal contribution from refugees who earn just below this standard.

Municipalities may also collect a portion of the personal contribution from refugees whose income falls below the 115% threshold and therefore cannot pay the full personal contribution, but who still earn enough to contribute part of it.

This portion may not exceed the standard described above. Refugees from Ukraine can submit a request to the municipality for this purpose.

Refugees must report their income to the municipality

When asked, refugees from Ukraine must inform their municipality of their income and the number of family members staying in the municipal accommodation with them. They must also proactively report any changes in their income or family composition.

If refugees/individuals do not provide this information, the municipality may decide that they must pay the personal contribution.

Why a personal contribution is charged

The government believes it is fair for refugees from Ukraine to pay towards the cost of their stay if they are capable of doing so, just like other refugees and asylum seekers with an income. The amount is more appropriate for the facilities offered. It also reduces differences compared to other groups, such as low-wage earners and asylum seekers.