Students win court case over energy allowance again

Once again, a court has ruled that the government cannot simply exclude students from emergency measures such as the energy allowance. Last week, 37 students in The Hague won their case.

The lawsuits revolved around the 2022 energy allowance. That year, gas and electricity bills surged. The government at the time introduced a 1,300 euros allowance for those with the lowest incomes, which was distributed by municipalities.

Students also often have low incomes. However, the government decided they were not entitled to the allowance. The reasoning was that students often live in small accommodations, leading to lower energy bills. The conclusion: they do not necessarily need the extra money.

Discrimination

But can such an exception be justified, or is it discriminatory? A series of lawsuits ensued. Sometimes students won, and sometimes the municipalities did. However, the common theme appears to be that authorities must provide a solid rationale when distinguishing between students and other citizens.

The municipality of The Hague failed to do this, the ruling states. There are students in the same situation as other low-income residents who are eligible for the energy allowance. It is unclear why The Hague specifically excludes students.

The municipality sought a balance. A broad implementation of the scheme is quicker and less bureaucratic. However, encouraged by the government, the municipality preferred not to waste funds on allowances for individuals in small homes or those sharing facilities. The court now demands a new decision. Similar cases have previously arisen in Amsterdam, Utrecht and Nijmegen.

400 euros

Politicians have tried to defuse the issue. In 2023, a new energy allowance (800 euros) was introduced, accompanied by a separate scheme specifically for students receiving additional grants. These students received 400 euros through the student finance body DUO. In 2024, the energy allowance was abolished.