The government proposes keeping the housing expense ceilings used for housing benefit at the same krone amounts in 2027. This may matter if your rent rises. As of 7 October 2026, it is a budget proposal, not adopted rules for next year.

What does the government propose?

The proposal is to continue the housing expense ceilings in nominal terms. This means the same amounts in kroner, without raising the ceilings to account for inflation.

Kommunal- og distriktsdepartementet, Norway’s Ministry of Local Government and Regional Development, responsible for housing policy, also proposes NOK 4,210 million for housing benefit in 2027. Stortinget, Norway’s parliament, must consider the budget. See the proposal under chapter 581, item 70⁠.

Housing benefit supports households with low incomes and high housing expenses. Husbanken, Norway’s state housing bank, manages the scheme together with municipalities. The existing housing benefit guide explains applications and eligibility.

Does the housing expense ceiling limit your rent?

No. It limits how much of your housing expenses is included when calculating housing benefit. It is not a rule that freezes your rent.

Husbanken uses the upper limit if your approved housing expenses are higher. The limit depends on where you live and how many people are in your household. Income and your own contribution, the part you must cover yourself, also affect the benefit. See Husbanken’s explanation of the calculation⁠.

For example, if your housing expenses already exceed the ceiling and your rent rises, the full increase will not necessarily be included. An unchanged ceiling also does not guarantee an unchanged housing benefit payment. The calculation depends on other information too.

Does everyone receive NOK 43,600 a year?

No. The ministry estimates that an average of 92,900 households will receive housing benefit each month in 2027. The estimated level of support corresponds to an average of NOK 43,600 per household per year.

These figures are a budget forecast. They are not a fixed annual amount for all recipients and do not tell you how much you personally will receive. The figures appear in the same budget chapter⁠.

How can you check your own situation?

Use current information and rules when checking housing benefit now. Husbanken’s housing benefit page⁠ links to the current housing benefit calculator. An estimate from it is not a decision on your application.

  • Gather your rent or other housing expenses and your household’s income details.
  • Use the calculator with the correct municipality and number of people.
  • Read your latest decision if you already receive housing benefit.
  • Ask the municipality or Husbanken how to report changes in your situation.

Follow the remaining budget process before planning on the basis of 2027 rules. You can also see other support schemes for low-income families and use SamfunnPrep’s practical tools.