How Boligstøtte Works
Boligstøtte is a monthly housing subsidy for renters with moderate incomes. It is income-tested and can cover a significant portion of your rent — especially if you have children. Many eligible people never apply because they do not know it exists.
What is boligstøtte?
Boligstøtte is a tax-free monthly payment from the state to help renters afford housing. It is available to both Danish citizens and international residents with a CPR number. The subsidy is paid directly to your NemKonto.
There are two types:
- Boligydelse: For pensioners. Higher amounts, different rules.
- Boligsikring: For everyone else. This is what most internationals apply for.
Who qualifies
You may qualify if:
- You rent your home (not own it)
- You are registered at the address (CPR registered)
- Your household income is below the threshold (varies by family size and rent)
- The apartment meets size requirements (minimum m² per person — but this is rarely an issue)
Having children significantly increases your benefit. Single parents with children often receive the highest amounts.
Students are eligible. If you work part-time alongside studying and pay rent, you may qualify for boligstøtte. It is separate from SU (student grant). Many students miss this.
How much can you get?
The amount depends on: your rent, household income, number of adults, number of children, and apartment size. Rough examples (2026):
- Single, no children, 22,000 DKK/month income, 6,000 DKK rent: ~500–1,000 DKK/month
- Single parent, 1 child, 25,000 DKK income, 8,000 DKK rent: ~2,000–3,000 DKK/month
- Couple, 2 children, 40,000 DKK combined income, 10,000 DKK rent: ~1,500–2,500 DKK/month
Use the Housing Benefit Calculator for your exact situation.
How to apply
Navigate to boligstøtte
Find “Boligstøtte” under “Bolig og flytning” (Housing and moving). Select “Ansøg om boligstøtte” (Apply for housing benefit).
Enter your details
Provide: rent amount, household members, income details (SKAT pulls much of this automatically), and housing type. The system pre-fills some data from your CPR and tax records.
Submit and wait
Processing takes 2–4 weeks. If approved, the benefit is backdated to your application date (not your move-in date — apply as soon as you move in). Payment goes to your NemKonto monthly.
Boligstøtte is not backdated before your application date. If you move in on 1 March but apply on 1 June, you lose 3 months of benefit. Apply on day one.
How the calculation works
The formula considers: your eligible rent (capped at a maximum — ~5,200 DKK for one person, higher with children), minus a percentage that you are expected to pay yourself based on your income. Children add to the eligible rent cap and reduce your expected contribution. The system is progressive: the lower your income, the more support you receive.
Income includes: salary, SU, dagpenge, and most other taxable income for all adults in the household. Assets above a threshold may also reduce the benefit.
Reporting changes
You must report changes that affect your benefit: income increase/decrease, someone moving in or out, rent changes, or change of address. Report through borger.dk. Failure to report can result in having to repay overpaid benefits — potentially several months’ worth.
Common problems
My income changed and now I owe money back
Boligstøtte is provisionally calculated based on estimated income. If your actual income for the year is higher than estimated, Udbetaling Danmark will recalculate and you may need to repay the difference. Update your income estimate promptly when things change.
I was rejected
Common reasons: income too high, living with a partner whose income pushes you over the threshold, or apartment does not meet requirements. You can appeal through Ankestyrelsen.
I forgot to apply when I moved in
Apply now. You receive the benefit from the month of application onward. You cannot claim retroactively for months before applying.
Questions and answers
Is boligstøtte taxable?
No. It is tax-free. It does not count as income on your tax return.
Can I get it for a shared apartment?
If you are the leaseholder or sub-leaseholder and registered at the address, yes. Roommates with separate leases each apply individually.
Does it stop if I get a raise?
Not necessarily — it reduces gradually as income increases. Use the calculator to see the impact of income changes.
Can non-EU citizens receive boligstøtte?
Yes, if you have a CPR number and a valid residence permit. Your immigration status does not affect eligibility — only your income, rent, and household situation matter.
Sources
- borger.dk — boligstøtte application and rules.
- Udbetaling Danmark — benefit administration.