Social resources

Special housing support

Special housing support is financial assistance more than housing benefits. The support is for low-income individuals and families in the rental market with heavy support burdens.

Applying for special housing support

To receive special housing support, you first need to apply for housing benefits with The Housing and Construction Authority (HMS). Special housing support does not require a special application. When you apply for benefits the support is calculated and paid out automatically.

Conditions:

• Right to housing benefits.
• 18 years of age or older at the time of application.
• Legal residency in Hafnarfjörður.
• Rental housing in Hafnarfjörður, except if the accommodation is for children aged 15–17, who are renting a room in a dorm or student accommodation for studies away from legal residency.
• Special housing support amount

Full special housing support is 90% of the housing benefits amount. The support can be reduced of the following reasons:

• The amount can never exceed 75% of housing cost.
• Housing benefits and special housing support combined can never exceed ISK 90,000 per month.
• If rent minus housing benefits equals ISK 55,000 or less, the housing support is suspended.
• When housing cost is less than 20% of taxable income the housing support is suspended.