Minister Schouten advised not to let the students fall under the scheme because their living situation is so diverse. Many students still live with their parents and for many others the energy costs are included in the rent of a room. Schouten felt that a small group of students could be helped in a different way, namely through individual special assistance.
The court disagreed. The students also include people who have the same income and energy costs as non-students. The latter group will receive the energy allowance, the students will not. That was not the intention of the law on the allowance, the court ruled. Students can then receive individual assistance, but different conditions apply.