Reykjavík city council has approved a measure which will raise financial benefits for many different categories of capital residents receiving assistance.
The proposed changes, posted on the city’s website, will put into effect a 3.9% increase across the board for people on financial assistance. These changes will go into effect on January 1.
What this increase means in real terms is that for the average person receiving assistance (i.e., an individual living on their own), they will see a monthly increase from 157,493 ISK to 163,635 ISK. The monthly minimum for married couples or those in a state of legally living together as a couple (sambúð) will go from 236,240 ISK to 245,453 ISK. The monthly benefits for those living with their parents will go from 78,747 ISK to 81.818 ISK, and the monthly benefits for those renting without a registered lease or who have no access to shelter will increase from 132,696 ISK to 137,871 ISK.
In addition, those who have been receiving financial benefits for at least the last three months will be getting a holiday bonus of 25% of the assistance paid to them thus far. Parents receiving benefits can also apply for additional benefits for their children, equal to 12,640 ISK per child.
City residents can qualify for financial assistance if they have established legal residence in Reykjavík and have an income less than a predetermined amount, or who have fulfilled other criteria. More information is available on the city’s website.
Buy subscriptions, t-shirts and more from our shop right here!
