The one-off energy allowance scheme was introduced to support international students who were not eligible for the energy allowance that other students had automatically received earlier this year through the student finance provider DUO. It was available to international students living in the municipality of Maastricht, studying full-time and earning no more than 1,340 euros per month. They had until 30 June to apply.
According to a spokesperson for the municipality, it is unlikely that a similar scheme will be reintroduced in the event of a severe winter. On Budget Day, she says, the cabinet announced that any future energy allowance schemes will be handled by the national Energy Emergency Fund. “The municipality is unlikely to play a role in this.”