Housing Benefit (Wohngeld)

How much housing benefit am I entitled to? 

For example, you can receive rent support if you live alone and your total income as of January 1, 2020 does not exceed EUR 1,120.00 per month.  

A household with four persons must have a total income of no more than EUR 2,392.00 per month. Total income includes the taxable income of all persons living in a household. If you have so-called professional expenses, e.g. due to commuting to work, please indicate these in your application.  

Your apartment may be too large or the rent may be too high. Therefore, there are upper limits on rent when calculating your housing benefit entitlement. Whether your rent is too high or your apartment is too large depends on how many people live in your household and what limits your municipality has set.   

The maximum amount for rent depends on the municipality, for example:

• Household with one person: between EUR 338.00 and EUR 575.00 

• Household with four people: between EUR 568.00 and EUR 968.00  

Since January 2021, a supplement for heating costs has been paid in addition to the maximum amount. This supplement depends on how many people live in one household. For example, it amounts to: 

• Household with one person: 14.40 euro 

• Household with four people: 25.80 euro 

Can I check for myself whether I can receive housing benefit, and how much my grant will be? 

Yes. Using the housing benefit calculator, you can check online in advance whether you are eligible. After the calculation, you can fill out an online application directly via the housing allowance calculator. Go to the housing benefit calculator. 

How long will I be paid housing benefit for? 

Housing benefit will initially be paid for 12 months. After this, you must submit another application. 

If your living conditions change during these 12 months, please inform your local authority so that your housing benefit can be recalculated. This is the case, for example, if: 

• a family member moves out 

• your income increases  

• your rent goes up by more than 15% 

Housing benefit is paid only for a specific dwelling. If you move, you must submit a new housing benefit application for the new apartment.  

Under what circumstances do I not receive housing benefit? 

If you receive the following benefits, you will not be able to receive housing benefit because your accommodation costs are already being paid: 

• Unemployment benefit II and social benefit 

• Housing allowances for trainees 

• Temporary allowance or injury benefit amounting to unemployment benefit II 

• Benefits under basic income support for old age and reduced earning capacity 

• Cost-of-living assistance benefits 

• Child and youth welfare benefits; in households which only include recipients of these benefits 

• Benefits in special cases and basic benefits under the Asylum Seekers Benefits Act and the Residence Act