Housing benefit in Germany (Wohngeld): who gets it and how to apply

2 min read · 7 steps · Updated 2 October 2026

Many people who work or draw a small pension have a right to housing benefit and never apply. It is not a loan and does not have to be paid back. The amount depends on four things: the number of people in the household, the income, the rent and the rent level of the town.

Rules, amounts and deadlines change. Check the official source named at the end before you act, and ask the office in your city, because procedures differ from town to town.

Step by step

1. Check whether you are in the group

   Wohngeld is meant for people who pay their rent themselves and have a low income: employees with low wages, pensioners, people on unemployment benefit or short-time work allowance, and students or trainees who have no claim to BAföG or training allowance in principle.

   Done

2. Check whether you are excluded

   If the state already pays your rent, you get no Wohngeld. That is the case with citizen's income (Bürgergeld), social assistance, basic income support in old age and BAföG.

   Done

3. Estimate the amount

   The Federal Ministry for Housing has an official Wohngeld calculator on its website. Enter household size, gross income, rent without heating and your town. The result is a guide, not a decision.

   Done

4. Apply straight away

   The benefit starts with the month in which your application reaches the office, not earlier. Send the form at once, even if papers are missing, and hand them in later. The Wohngeldstelle is usually at the town hall or district office, and many offer an online application.

   Done

5. Hand in the documents

   Typical list: identity card or passport with residence permit, registration certificate, rental contract, a rent certificate filled in by the landlord (Mietbescheinigung), proof of the rent payments, and proof of income for everyone in the household, such as payslips or a pension notice.

   Done

6. Wait for the decision

   Processing usually takes four to six weeks, in big cities longer. The money is then paid back to the month of the application.

   Done

7. Apply again before it ends

   Wohngeld is usually granted for 12 months. It does not continue by itself. Send the follow-up application about two months before the end. Report at once if your income rises, the rent falls or someone moves out.

   Done

Good to know

Owners who live in their own home can get the same support under the name Lastenzuschuss.

For naturalisation, the law names only citizen's income and social assistance as benefits that stand in the way. Wohngeld is not on that list. For residence permits the office checks whether your income covers your living costs, so ask the immigration office or an advice centre about your own case before you apply.

Families with a low income can get the child supplement (Kinderzuschlag) as well as Wohngeld, and both open the way to the education package for children.

More on renting: rental contracts in Germany: deposit, notice and costs explained.

In short: Low income and no Bürgergeld or BAföG, official calculator, apply at once at the Wohngeldstelle, documents, four to six weeks, 12 months, apply again in time.