Housing

Are you unable to meet your housing costs (any longer), are you looking for affordable housing or are you threatened with losing your home? Here, both tenants and owners can find services that can help with housing. Date of translation: 20 December 2023

Illustration der Wegweiserin. Sie steht vor einem Sideboard. Über dem Sideboard sind Bilder an der Wand zu sehen. Über ihrer linken Hand schwebt ein Schlüssel.

Content of this page

Illustration eines Schlüsselbundes mit 2 Schlüsseln und einem kleinen Haus als Anhänger.

Here you will find support services on the subject of housing. Many social benefits already include the assumption of rental costs. But even if you have not yet applied for any other social benefits, you can still receive help with housing. If you have a low income, you can receive financial assistance for rental costs (housing benefit). People receiving housing benefit can also apply for education and participation benefits for their children. The housing entitlement certificate helps you to obtain affordable housing. In emergency situations, you may be able to apply for rent arrears to avert the threat of losing your home.

Services related to housing

Illustration einer Frau- Sie steht im offenen Fenster und gießt Blumen in einem Blumenkasten

Housing Benefit (Wohngeld)

If you earn too little money to pay for your home, you can apply for housing benefit. The benefit is aimed at both tenants and owners.

Illustration der Wegweiserin. Sie steht neben Häusern. Darüber schwebt ein Haken.

Social housing eligibility certificate (Wohnberechtigungsschein)

If you are on a low income and are looking for social housing, you can apply for a social housing eligibility certificate (Wohnberechtigungsschein or WBS). Here you can find out what the requirements for a social housing eligibility certificate are and where you can apply for one.

Illustration der Wegweiserin. Sie hält einen Taschenrechner in ihrer linken Hand. Mit der rechten Hand zeigt sie auf den Taschenrechner. Davor schwebt die Illustration eines Mietvertrags.

Assumption of Rent Arrears

If you fall into arrears on your rent and are therefore at risk of losing your home, social services or the Jobcenter may be able to assume your rent arrears under certain circumstances. This service is usually provided in the form of a loan.

Illustration der Wegweiserin. Sie spielt mit einem Fußball. Neben ihr steht ein Rucksack. Unter dem linken Arm trägt sie zwei Bücher.

Education and participation (Bildung und Teilhabe)

In Germany, children, teens and young adults are supposed to have equal opportunities. Education and participation in social and cultural activities are important factors in ensuring equal opportunity. For this reason, the state provides benefits to support education and participation. This is also known as the education and participation package.

Apply for benefits online.

Other Service Areas

Der Wegweiser, eine Illustration eines mannes mit kurzen schwarzen Haaren, sitzt an einem Schreibtisch. Vor ihm ein Computer. Seine Arme sind angewinkelt und nach oben gerichtet- über ihm schweben Symbole für Arbeitsbranchen. Eine Schere für Friseurhandwerk, Werkzeug, eine Kochmütze und ein Aktenkoffer.

Unemployment & Job Search

Don’t have enough money to cover your living costs? Are you able and willing to work, but currently unable to find a job? Or do you have a small income, which is not enough? If any of this currently applies to you, you will find the appropriate assistance on this page.

Social & Basic welfare

Is your money not enough to cover your living expenses because you are unable to work or can only work a little or are of retirement age? Do you have children and need extra money for school supplies or the sports club? You will find suitable offers of help for these and similar life situations on this page.

Die Wegweiserin schaut aus einem Tablet heraus, welches an einen Stapel Bücher angelehnt horizontal aufgestellt ist. Sie zeigt auf Symbole, die mit der Schule zusammenhängen.

Vocational Training & Studies

Would you like to study or do vocational training and need financial support? Then you can apply for various financial aids. On this page you will find the appropriate offers of help.

illustration des Wegweisers. Er sitzt mit einem Buch n der Hand in einem Sessel.Daneben steht eine Babywiege. Vor ihm liegen Kinderspielzeuge.

Family & Children

Do you have one or more children and would like to know how you can apply for support to finance their education or your living expenses? Then you will find all the information and the right help on this page.

Die illustrierte Wegweiserin steht vor einem Flugzeug, neben ihr stehen Koffer.In der Hand hält sie einen Pass, mit der linken Hand zeigt sie auf eine Karte von Deutschland.

Migration & Asylum

Have you come to Germany from a non-EU country or a third country and now need help to finance your living expenses? If so, this page contains full information and all the help you need.

Der Wegweiser schiebt einen Rollstuhl. Vor ihm liegt ein Hund.

Health & Care

Do you need help because you are currently unable to work due to an illness? Or do you need support for special needs, for example due to a disability? On this page you will find suitable offers of help to support you or your relatives in the areas of health and care.