Housing Eligibility Certificate
Proof of eligibility for public housing.
How to proceed
- 1
Submit an application to the housing office
Fill out the form with your household size and the desired apartment size.
- 2
Provide proof of income
All household members over the past 12 months.
- 3
Receive the WBS
Valid for 1 year in most cases; applicable to subsidized housing.
Required documents
- Proof of income for all household membersMandatoryOften forgotten
- Identification cardMandatory
Responsible authority
The authority of your main place of residence is responsible.Find authority →
Fees
Varies by case
Processing time
approx. 3 weeks
Official: max. approx. 1 months
Online application
Online possible – at the responsible authority
Common mistakes
- • Proof of income for all household members is missing
- • Incorrect information about apartment size
Common reasons for rejection
- • Income above the threshold
- • Incomplete proof of income
You can usually file an objection against a rejection.
The essentials before applying
Who is eligible?
Households whose income does not exceed the income limits set by state law.
Income limit
Depending on the state and household size, e.g., a single-person household with an annual gross income of approximately €16,000–24,000.
Processing time
Nationwide: approx. approx. 3 weeks
Success rate
approx. 78.0 % (estimate)
Most common mistakes
- •Proof of income for all household members is missing
- •Incorrect information about apartment size
Common reasons for rejection
- •Income above the threshold
- •Incomplete proof of income
Alternatives
- Check related services in the application assistant
- Use social counselling before applying
If rejected
File a written objection within 30 days – with reasons why the decision is wrong and any missing evidence.
Related services
Questions & Answers
How long is a WBS valid?▼
Generally, it is valid for one year from the date of issuance; after that, a new application must be submitted.