Special housing aid

Am I entitled to special housing aid?

To be eligible for special housing aid, you must:

• Be entitled to housing benefits from the Housing and Construction Authority.
• Be at least 18 years old.
• Have a permanent address in Reykjavík.
• Live in a rental property in Reykjavík.
• Have a minimum of six assessment criteria points for special housing aid, including two points for social conditions.
• Have a combined household income below the upper income threshold as set out in Article 5 of the Rules on Special Housing Aid.
• Have combined household assets valued at less than 7,745,000 kr. in the previous year.

Are there exceptions to these conditions?

Exemptions may be granted for the legal residence and rental housing conditions for 15-17 year old children who rent rooms in dormitories or student housing for studying away from their legal residence.

If you're actively looking for housing, you can apply for special housing aid even if you do not have a lease. Such applications are valid for three months from the date of approval. The payment of the special housing aid begins once the entitlement to housing benefits has been confirmed.

What amount will i receive?

The amount you can receive depends on your social circumstances, the amount of rent, and the combined income and assets of all household members over the age of 18. Housing benefits and special housing aid can never exceed a total amount of 100,000 kr.

You can use the Special Housing Aid Calculator (in Icelandic) to see how much you are eligible for.

• Open special housing aid calculator (IS)
• City of Reykjavík Rules on Special Housing Aid (IS)