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Housing benefit

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Definition

Housing benefit (or housing allowance) is a group of social services whose purpose is to reduce families' housing expenditure (rent, monthly loan repayments). It is granted on a means-testing basis, thus enabling the beneficiaries to reach the minimum level concerned. It is also calculated based on the family's situation, the type of housing and the beneficiary's place of residence.

Note

For beneficiaries of Social Integration Income (RMI), receipt of housing benefit causes the amount of the RMI to be reduced by a fixed amount.