Ukrainian refugees: personal contribution

From 1 July 2024 refugees from Ukraine with income from work or other sources must pay a personal contribution if they are staying in municipal accommodation. They no longer 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
  • are living 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; or 
  • receive a supplementary benefit.

Refugees only need to pay the personal contribution if they will have enough money left over after paying it. This must be at least equal to the subsistence allowance for refugees without income.

Refugees can contact their municipality if they have any questions about this.

Personal contribution amounts

Refugees from Ukraine must pay:

  • €105 per adult (aged 18 or over) for gas, water, and electricity, up to a maximum of €210 per family;
  • up to €242.48 per adult (aged 18 or over) for food if meals are served in the municipal accommodation, regardless of how many meals individuals actually eat. The maximum amount per family is €484.96. These amounts apply from 1 July to 31 December 2024. From 2025 the fixed amount is €252.18 per adult (aged 18 or over), regardless of how many meals individuals actually eat. There will no longer be a maximum per family.

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;
  • any changes in their income or family composition.

Refugees who do not provide this information will always have to 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.