Housing allowance
A government subsidy for low-income households to help cover housing costs.
Wo wohnen Sie?
Damit wir Housing allowance mit dem zuständigen Wohngeldamt in Ihrer Stadt anzeigen können.
Oder Großstadt wählen:
Sie werden zur geführten Suche weitergeleitet – mit Kontaktdaten, Termin und nächsten Schritten für Housing allowance.
Quick answer
- 1
Documents you need
Identification card or passport · Lease Agreement · Rent Certificate (Official Form) · Proof of income (3 months)
- 2
Responsible authority
The authority of your main residence
- 3
How to do it
Apply directly online
- 4
Costs
Kostenlos – keine Gebühr für den Antrag
Was Sie auf dieser Seite finden· Anzeigen
Wohngeld ist eine staatliche Zuschussleistung für einkommensschwache Haushalte mit Wohnkosten. Ob Sie Anspruch haben, hängt von Einkommen, Haushaltsgröße und Miete bzw. Belastung ab – nicht automatisch vom Wohnort.
Auf dieser Seite finden Sie eine Schritt-für-Schritt-Anleitung, die nötigen Unterlagen, typische Bearbeitungszeiten und Hinweise zu häufigen Fehlern. Die zuständige Behörde ist in der Regel das Wohngeldamt der Kommune, in der Sie wohnen.
How to proceed
- 1
Check eligibility
Compare your income and rent using the housing allowance calculator.
- 2
Gather documents
Have your lease, proof of income, and ID card ready.
- 3
Fill out the application
Apply online or at the housing assistance office.
- 4
Wait for the decision
Processing time: approximately 6–12 weeks.
- 5
Back payment or objection
If your application is denied, file an appeal within 30 days.
Responsible authority
The authority of your main place of residence is responsible.Find authority →
The essentials before applying
Who is eligible?
Tenants, homeowners, and residents of dormitories with insufficient income. Households whose income is below the applicable housing allowance threshold are eligible.
Income limit
Depending on household size and rent bracket. Example for 2024: A single-person household with a gross income of approximately €1,400–1,800, depending on the region.
Processing time
Nationwide: approx. approx. 3 months
Success rate
approx. 72.5 % (estimate)
Most common mistakes
- •Rent certificate from the landlord is missing
- •Proof of income not included
- •Bank statements for the last 3 months are missing
- •Household members not listed in full
- •The form was filled out by hand and is illegible
Common reasons for rejection
- •Income above the housing allowance threshold
- •Missing rent certificate
- •Incomplete proof of income
- •Housing allowance is already covered by another benefit (e.g., basic income)
Alternatives
- Check citizen's benefit if income is below ALG-II level
- Child supplement for families with children
If rejected
File a written objection within 30 days – with reasons why the decision is wrong and any missing evidence.
Everything about Housing allowance
Related services
Questions & Answers
How long does housing assistance last?▼
Legally, up to 3 months; in practice, 6–12 weeks, depending on the city.
Can I receive housing assistance and basic income at the same time?▼
No. Housing assistance is counted toward the basic income. You will receive the higher benefit.
Do I have to pay back my housing allowance?▼
Only if housing assistance was received in error or if there has been a significant change in circumstances.
Freshness & source
- Maintenance
- Continuously reviewed & updated
- Source
- Bundesministerium für Wohnen, Stadtentwicklung und Bauwesen
- Data quality
- 100 %
Latest content changes
- Bearbeitungszeiten und Wohngeldreform 2024 ergänzt
- Erstveröffentlichung mit Mietbescheinigung-Hinweisen
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