New Contribution Rate for Individual Contributions for Ukrainians under Temporary Protection in the Netherlands
From 1 October 2025 the eigen bijdrage in municipal reception locations changed. What the new maximum rates are, who pays, and how to request a reduction.
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Since the beginning of Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022, the Netherlands has provided temporary protection to thousands of Ukrainian refugees in accordance with the Tijdelijke wet opvang ontheemden Oekraïne. This protection includes access to municipal shelters (opvang), financial assistance (leefgeld), and other social services. To ensure fairness and encourage integration, the Dutch government introduced a system of individual contributions (eigen bijdrage) in 2024.
Before 1 October 2025, the individual contribution was limited to payment for utilities (gas, water, electricity) of up to € 105 per adult, with a maximum of € 210 per household with two adults. A contribution for meals could also be charged, up to € 252,18 per person. The total maximum for a household with two adults and meals was € 714,26 per month.
From 1 October 2025, the contribution was expanded to cover general operational costs of the shelter — not only utilities but also support and maintenance of premises. The new maximum rates are: € 244,22 per month per adult (18 years and older) for operational costs, maximum € 488,44 per household with two adults or more; € 252,18 per person for meals where provided, maximum € 504,36 per household; and a total maximum of € 992,80 per month for a household with two adults and meals.
Who pays. Adults (18 and older) residing in municipal reception locations who hold temporary protection status. The contribution is charged where there is net income from work, a WW benefit or a Ziektewet benefit.
Income threshold. The contribution applies only where net income exceeds 115% of the leefgeld norm (after possible deductions) plus the contribution. This “115% norm” was introduced to avoid a situation where taking work leads to a complete loss of assistance.
Exceptions. Where net income does not exceed the threshold, the contribution does not apply or is charged partially. Municipalities have discretion not to charge the contribution, or to reduce it, where this would lead to disproportionate hardship — for example because of high medical expenses, debts or other financial problems. Children under 18 do not pay. The provision on bijzondere omstandigheden is in article 2b of the RooO.
How to request a reduction. Write a motivated letter to the municipality (college van burgemeester en wethouders) explaining the circumstances, and attach evidence such as invoices, medical certificates, bank statements and proof of debts. The municipality assesses proportionality under the Awb. You may also request free legal aid through the Raad voor Rechtsbijstand, or ask the Ukrainian Legal Chamber for assistance with the request.
Appealing. The decision on the contribution is an administrative act (beschikking), appealed under the Algemene wet bestuursrecht: submit a bezwaar within six weeks, then a beroep to the administrative court within six weeks, and thereafter a hoger beroep to the Raad van State.
The changes reflect a balance between supporting Ukrainian refugees and encouraging their integration into Dutch society. Although the contribution has become higher, the 115% norm and the exceptions protect those with low incomes. Report changes in income promptly and contact your municipality for clarification.