Living allowance and own financial contribution to the reception centre if you have fled from Ukraine

If you come to the Netherlands as a refugee from Ukraine, you get money for food, clothing and other personal expenses. This is called a living allowance. You get this money as long as you do not have your own income. Both adults and children are entitled to this money.

How much money you get depends on your family composition. And also whether the reception centre where you are staying makes food for you. Did you come to the Netherlands with your family? Then you will get a lower amount of food money per person than if you are on your own. Do you live in a municipal reception centre (GOO) where food is made for you? Then you will not receive any food money.

Are you entitled to a living allowance? If so, the amount you receive each month depends partly on your age and family circumstances. In all cases, you will receive €65.77 per month for clothing. If you are living with a host family, you will also receive €77.16 per person for other expenses. If you are living in a municipal reception centre, you will not receive any money for other expenses.

The amount for food allowances varies depending on the situation. These are the amounts as at 1 August 2026:

• You will receive €260.97 in meal allowance per month.

• There are 2 of you: €260.97 for meals per person per month.

• There are 3 of you: €221.83 for meals per person per month.

• There are 4 or more of you: €195.72 for meals per person per month.

• There are 2 of you: €216.41 for meals per person per month.

• There are 3 of you: €183.94 for meals per person per month.

• There are 4 or more of you: €162.33 for meals per person per month.

You will not receive living allowance if you work or otherwise have sufficient income. This applies to all refugees from Ukraine aged 18 and older who earn money. It does not matter how high your income is. If you earn more than 115% of what you would get in living allowance without work, you will no longer get living allowance.

Not only income from work applies to this rule. In the following situations, you will no longer receive living allowance:

• If you make money because you have a job

• If you receive income from an

  unemployment benefit (WW-benefit)

• If you receive benefits because you are long-term sick or unable to work

Not sure if your income counts because it is not one of the above situations? Then contact your contact person at the municipality.

Do you have an income as described above and live in a municipal reception centre (GOO)? Then you have to help pay for your stay in the reception centre. This is called 'eigen bijdrage' (personal contribution). This money is used to cover part of the costs for making the reception and any meals possible. Whether and how much personal contribution' you have to pay is assessed per family (or single person).

For costs to make the reception possible, such as gas, water, electricity and other

If meals are prepared for you at your location, you will have to pay an additional fee of up to €260.97 per adult (18 years or older) with your own income. You will have to pay this even if you do not always eat at the reception centre. For a family with two adults and children, you will pay a maximum of two times €260.97 for meals. That is €521.94 in total. This amount is in addition to the personal contribution.

The Dutch government thinks you should pay a personal contribution because it thinks this is fairer. Other groups of refugees in the Netherlands already pay a personal contribution if they have an income. Exactly how much of a personal contribution you have to pay depends on how much income you have. After paying your personal contribution, you (or your family) must have at least an amount left over that is equal to or more than 115% of what you would have received in living allowance.

The municipality calculates your contribution based on your income. You must report your income yourself. The municipality can also see what income you received in the Netherlands. Do you want to know what information the municipality has about your income? You can find out for yourself if you create an account in Mijn UWV.

To log in at UWV, you need a

Do you already have a DigiD? Then also create a Berichtenbox on MijnOverheid.

Do you or your family have no income of your own? Then you also do not have to pay a contribution for the municipal reception centre and for the food you get there.

You are required to give the municipality information about your income and the make-up of your family. Even if something changes in your income or family. Do you not provide this information? Or does it appear that you have hidden income? Then the municipality can withdraw your living allowance and oblige you to pay your personal contribution. It does not matter whether you have an income or not.

Do you disagree with the decision that you have to pay a personal contribution? Then you can file an objection. Objecting means that you officially say that you disagree and that you want it to be reviewed. You do this with the help of a lawyer.