Government proposes to raise maximum amount of heating costs recognized in connection with housing allowances
According to a recent Government proposal, there will be an increase in the predetermined maximum amounts of heating costs and maintenance costs for a single-family home that can be recognized in connection with the general housing allowance. This will be a temporary change for the year 2023, with the aim of easing the financial hardship faced by some due to the high price of electricity. There will also be changes to the housing allowance for pensioners at the beginning of 2023.
The Government proposes a temporary change to the general housing allowance. Separately paid heating costs and costs of maintaining a single-family home are recognized on the basis of predetermined maximum amounts. If the proposed legislation passes, these predetermined acceptable costs will be raised by 57% compared to the 2022 level. The proposed change will be in effect for the year 2023.
A similar change is planned for the housing allowance for pensioners. The change will be laid down in a Government Decree. Preparations for this Decree are underway this autumn.
Kela is getting ready to implement the changes to the housing allowances. We will provide more details at a later date.
Additional information for customers
- See Kela's website for housing costs recognized for recipients of housing allowance for pensioners
- See Kela’s website for housing costs recognized for recipients of general housing allowance
- Government proposal to Parliament for the amendment of Section 25 a of the Act on Housing Allowances for Pensioners and Section 25 of the Act on General Housing Allowances and for the temporary amendment of Section 51 of the Act on General Housing Allowances.
- Government proposes to raise amounts of general housing allowance and housing allowance for pensioners in respect of heating costs