Nervous about your upcoming energy bills this winter? Thankfully, there’s a silver lining: households in the Netherlands can apply to the Noodfonds Energie (Energy Emergency Fund) from January 4 to May 7, 2027.
If you’re unsure of the process or want to get your ducks in a row beforehand, Rijksoverheid notes that you can “contact the Emergency Fund to ask questions and prepare to submit an application” from December 1, 2026.
With a budget of around 193 million, the Dutch government estimates it can help around half a million households weather this winter’s rising energy bills.
But is your household on the list? Here’s what to know.
Does your household qualify for the energy fund?
Eligibility hinges on two factors: you must be in a low-income household with high energy bills. And yes, that includes households with district heating, a warmtenet (heating network), and students.
According to Rijksoverheid, the following households are eligible for the energy fund:
- Households with a gross income up to 130% of the social minimum and an energy quota of 8% or higher.
- Households with a gross income between 130% and 200% of the social minimum and an energy quota of 10% or higher.
What is an energy quota? An energy quota, or energiequote, is the share of your gross income that goes towards gas, electricity, or heating.
How much money can you expect?
Helaas, if you’re dreaming of your entire energy bill vanishing in a puff of smoke, that isn’t going to happen anytime soon.
The Emergency Energy Fund plans to pay “half of the energy costs for people that exceed the limit of 8 or 10%” of their energy quota.
In terms of ballpark figures, Rijksoverheid notes that households “will receive a total compensation of at least 120 euros and a maximum of 1,800 euros”.
And don’t expect the funds to land in your bank account immediately, either. On average, you can expect a wait time of four to six weeks before you know how much compensation you’ll receive.
Where possible, the Emergency Fund will settle the amount “evenly against the energy bill by your energy supplier over 12 months”.
No first come, first served
In previous years, the Energy Emergency Fund closed as soon as its budget was used up.
This year aims to be different, with Rijksoverheid promising: “Everyone who is entitled to it and submits an application will receive compensation from the Emergency Fund.”
“I want to help all households eligible for it this coming winter,” adds Minister of Social Affairs and Employment, Hans Vijlbrief. “We are taking the higher energy prices of the new year into account to ensure that people do not miss out on any money.”
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