When is it necessary to review the housing allowance?
If your circumstances or the circumstances of another household member change, it will usually be necessary to review the housing allowance (interim review). Kela will in any event review the housing allowance at least every 12 months even if the household’s circumstances do not change (annual review). By applying for a review of your housing allowance, you can make sure to receive the correct amount.
Interim review
You must apply for a review of your housing allowance if your household’s income, housing costs or other circumstances change.
Learn more about the situations where it is necessary to apply for a review of the housing allowance.
Annual review
Kela will send you a letter and instructions about the annual review of the housing allowance about one month before the review is scheduled to take place.
Submit an application for an annual review to Kela before the review deadline. If you fail to apply for an annual review in time, payment of the housing allowance is discontinued.
The application for an annual review is made on the same application used to apply for the housing allowance the first time.
Situations where the amount of housing allowance will change
Following a change in household income (for instance work begins) on 1 February, Kela reviews the housing allowance starting 1 March.
Following a change in household income (for instance work begins) on 4 February, Kela reviews the housing allowance starting 1 April.
A household moves home on 1 June. The rental agreement is valid from 1 June, and the household pays full month's rent for the new home. Kela reviews the housing allowance starting 1 June.
A household moves home on 1 June. The rental agreement is valid from 2 June, and the household pays full month's rent for the new home. Kela reviews the housing allowance starting 1 July.
A household's housing costs change on 1 January by EUR 50 per month compared to the acceptable housing costs recognised in the previous housing allowance decision.
Kela reviews the housing allowance from the beginning of the first full month of a change in housing costs, i.e., from 1 January.
The number of household members changes on 25 May. Kela reviews the housing allowance starting from 1 June.
The number of household members changes on 1 June. Kela reviews the housing allowance starting from 1 June.