Dutch energy hardship fund to take applications from January
The Dutch government has set a January application date for energy-bill support aimed at lower-income households facing high costs.
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People will be able to contact the Noodfonds Energie from 1 December to ask questions and prepare an application. The Dutch government says applications can be submitted from 4 January until 7 May 2027. It has set the January start so that higher network tariffs expected in the new year can be taken into account. [1]
The announced thresholds cover households with gross income of up to 130% of the Dutch social minimum if energy costs take at least 8% of their income. For households with income between 130% and 200% of that minimum, energy costs must take at least 10%. The fund is due to cover half the energy costs above the applicable threshold, with total support of between €120 and €1,800 per household. [1]
The government says students and households with communal heating can receive support. Those using district heating, propane or other energy sources can also apply. It expects around half a million households to be involved and says the fund will not close when its budget is exhausted, as it has in previous years. [1]
People unable to apply online will be able to use a paper application. The government expects applicants to learn their award and receive a first payment after an average of four to six weeks. Where possible, suppliers will spread the support across 12 months of energy bills. [1]
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