Rent benefit: this is a financial contribution of the Dutch government towards paying the rent. Rent benefit ensure that people with a lower income can still rent a house, studio or apartment. If you rent a room in a student house or a residential group, you are not eligible for rent benefit. You are only eligible for rent benefit if you meet certain criteria. One of these conditions is that you are renting an independent living space. This means that you have your own entrance, which can be locked, and that you have your own kitchen and toilet. You can read