Groningen homeowners gain five more years to apply for earthquake damage grants
Homeowners in Groningen’s earthquake zone now have until 2031 to apply for grants to improve or sustain their properties. The extension provides financial relief for those still awaiting repairs or reinforcement due to seismic damage.
| Key Fact | Details |
|---|---|
| Grant extension | Extended by 5 years, until 31 May 2031 |
| Eligible municipalities | Eemsdelta, Groningen, Het Hogeland, Midden-Groningen, Oldambt |
| Grant types | Sustainability and Improvement Groningen, Blok B grant |
| Responsible government body | Ministry of the Interior and Kingdom Relations (BZK) |
| Application portal | SNN website |
| Choice aid for homeowners | SNN choice aid |
The Ministry of the Interior and Kingdom Relations oversees financial support for homeowners in Groningen affected by earthquake damage, ensuring they can invest in property improvements. Local municipalities manage specific grants, like Blok B, to address regional needs under broader administrative agreements.
Read the full translated article below
Grant for sustainability and improvement in Groningen extended by 5 years
In 2020, as part of the ‘Sustainability and Improvement Groningen’ initiative, a number of grant schemes were introduced. These grants allow homeowners to make investments in their properties that they may have postponed due to waiting for the reinforcement or repair of earthquake damage to their homes. The application period for these grants was set to expire this year. It has now been decided to extend these grants by 5 years until 31 May 2031.
5-year extension
Since the reinforcement operation is not yet complete, the Sustainability and Improvement Groningen grant can now be applied for over a longer period. All variants of this grant have been extended by 5 years. Applications can be submitted until 31 May 2031. This decision was made by the Minister of the Interior and Kingdom Relations (BZK). This gives all residents who are eligible for one of the grants sufficient time to apply. Even if the grant is linked to the reinforcement of their home and that process has yet to begin, there is now enough time.
Blok B grant also extended
The Ministry of the Interior and Kingdom Relations (BZK) is responsible for the scheme ‘Sustainability, maintenance and improvement of buildings in the Groningen earthquake area’. The five earthquake-stricken municipalities are responsible for the ‘Blok B’ grant. This grant was also established as part of the administrative agreements made with the region in 2020. Homeowners eligible for this grant were informed about it by their municipalities in the past. The municipal councils of Eemsdelta, Groningen, Het Hogeland, Midden-Groningen and Oldambt have also decided to extend this grant until 31 May 2031.
Applying for the grant
The Northern Netherlands Cooperation Association (SNN) will continue to administer the schemes. Applications can be submitted via the SNN website. Not sure which grant applies to your situation? You can use the SNN choice aid for homeowners in the earthquake area.